Estate Litigation Law Clerk

Smith Search Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage from day on

Hybrid work model: 3 days in office, 2

3 weeks' vacation + sick and personal

Discretionary year-end bonus

Structured onboarding and ongoing培训

Job summary

Smith Search Inc. is seeking an Estate Litigation Law Clerk for a downtown Toronto, hybrid role supporting two lawyers on estate and trusts matters, with exposure to complex disputes.

The position balances substantive file work with essential administrative tasks to keep a busy practice running smoothly. The ideal candidate has 2+ years' litigation experience, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions accurately the first time.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of litigation experience in a law firm.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong follow-through.
• Active listener and diligent note-taker capturing instructions on first pass.
• Willingness to learn and adaptability in a busy practice.
• Comfort juggling priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assemble court materials from start to finish, including applications, motions, pleadings, mediation briefs, factums and authorities
• Manage document productions, including large-volume records, and prepare affidavits of documents
• Put together costs submissions, including costs outlines and bills of costs
• Collect, track and organize records from clients, opposing parties and third parties
• Keep lawyers organized and on schedule by staying on top of deadlines, follow-ups and next steps
• Draft correspondence to clients, opposing counsel and the court
• Record time accurately in the firm's practice management system
• Share ideas to improve the team's procedures and workflows

Skills

Litigation experience

Attention to detail

Note-taking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Law clerk or legal assistant diploma

Tools

Office software

PDF software

Practice management software

Job description

Estate Litigation Law Clerk | Downtown Toronto | Hybrid

Want litigation work that keeps you engaged? This role puts you on interesting estate files, with the hands-on support of a close-knit team.

Our client, a respected boutique litigation firm in downtown Toronto, is seeking an Estate Litigation Law Clerk to join its team. The firm handles contentious estates and trusts matters as well as broader civil litigation. It has no rigid hierarchy, an open-door culture, and lawyers who are approachable and give clear, thorough direction.

Supporting two lawyers, you’ll get regular exposure to complex, often fascinating estate disputes. The role offers a great balance between substantive file work and the administrative support that keeps a busy practice running. This opportunity is well suited to a litigation professional with a sharp eye for detail, strong follow-through and the ability to act on instructions accurately the first time.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare and assemble court materials from start to finish, including applications, motions, pleadings, mediation briefs, factums and authorities
• Manage document productions, including large-volume records, and prepare affidavits of documents
• Put together costs submissions, including costs outlines and bills of costs
• Collect, track and organize records from clients, opposing parties and third parties
• Keep lawyers organized and on schedule by staying on top of deadlines, follow-ups and next steps
• Draft correspondence to clients, opposing counsel and the court
• Record time accurately in the firm's practice management system
• Share ideas to improve the team's procedures and workflows

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of litigation experience in a law firm setting; estates or trusts litigation is an asset
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong follow-through
• An active listener and diligent note-taker who captures instructions the first time
• A positive, can-do attitude and a real eagerness to learn
• Comfort juggling competing priorities and tight deadlines in a busy practice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with standard office, PDF and practice management software
• A law clerk or legal assistant diploma is an asset but not required
• Salary range: $65,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Hybrid work model: 3 days in office, 2 days remote
• Health and dental coverage from day one
• 3 weeks' vacation plus additional sick and personal days
• Structured onboarding and ongoing training
• A collaborative, social team culture with regular firm events