Experienced Corporate Legal Assistant

Toronto | 3 + Years

Location: North York

Job Summary

Our client, a boutique law firm specializing in corporate law is seeking an experienced Corporate Legal Assistant to join their tight-knit team. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional support to the senior lawyer and clients, handling a variety of tasks including contract management, corporate governance, compliance, administrative tasks and client coordination. This role requires a proactive person, with exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage sensitive business matters with discretion and professionalism, capable of thriving in a small, collaborative environment where adaptability and initiative are key.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Management: Draft, review, and organize commercial contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), vendor agreements, and other legal documents. Maintain a contract database and track renewal/expiration dates.
• Corporate Governance: Prepare and file corporate documents such as board resolutions, meeting minutes, annual reports, and entity formation paperwork for small-to-mid-sized businesses and startups.
• Compliance Support: Coordinate with attorney to ensure regulatory compliance, including tracking deadlines for filings with agencies such as provincial or Federal business registries, or other governing bodies.
• Client Support: Act as a liaison between attorneys and clients, scheduling meetings, responding to inquiries, and providing updates on case or transaction progress with a high level of professionalism.
• Transactional Assistance: Support attorneys in corporate transactions (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, financings) by preparing due diligence materials, organizing closing documents, and coordinating with clients or opposing counsel.
• Document Preparation: Draft and proofread legal correspondence, memos, and presentations, ensuring all materials are polished and client-ready.
• Transaction Support: Assist with due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or other corporate transactions by organizing documents, creating checklists, and liaising with outside counsel as needed.
• Legal Research: Perform research on corporate law, securities regulations, or industry-specific legal issues using tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, summarizing findings for attorney review.
• Administrative Duties: Manage attorney calendars, coordinate travel, process billing/invoicing, and handle occasional firm-wide administrative tasks in a small-team setting.
• Confidentiality: Handle highly sensitive and proprietary information with discretion, adhering to ethical and legal standards.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a legal assistant, ideally in corporate law or a boutique firm environment.
• Education: Legal Assistant Certificate or Law Clerk diploma from an accredited institution in Ontario or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Business Administration, Legal Administration, or a related field preferred; or equivalent experience.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and legal or contract management software (e.g., DocuSign, Cosmolex).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a client-facing focus.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, small-team setting.
  • Familiarity with corporate legal processes, terminology, and documentation.
  • Comfort with basic bookkeeping or billing tasks common in boutique firms.
  • Familiarity with maintaining corporate records and entity management systems.
• Certifications: Paralegal certification or corporate governance training is a plus.
• Attributes: Proactive, detail-oriented, adaptable, self-motivated, and able to work closely with a team, while anticipating firm needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting corporate transactions (e.g., M&A, financing, or securities offerings).
• Experience supporting startups, small businesses, or entrepreneurs in a corporate law context.
• Knowledge of niche corporate areas such as venture capital, intellectual property agreements, or employment contracts.
• Prior experience in a boutique or large firm setting, demonstrating adaptability and a hands-on approach.

Working Conditions

• Office-based role in a boutique firm environment with a collaborative, client-focused culture.
• Occasional after-hours availability for urgent client needs or transaction closings.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with potential for bonuses based on firm performance.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Paid time off and firm holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., SIMPLE IRA) with firm contribution.
• Opportunities to grow with the firm and engage directly with high-profile clients.

For more information or to submit your CV to kgauthier@zsa.ca reference #33565

Tagged as: Junior, Private Practice