Legal Assistant

Nova Scotia Barristers' Society; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established law firm in Halifax is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant/Paralegal to support their busy criminal defense practice. This role involves providing legal and administrative support, managing workflows, and ensuring high-quality service to clients. Ideal candidates will have at least one year of experience in a law office, be technologically proficient, and possess strong communication and organizational skills. The firm offers a competitive salary and group insurance packages, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their career in law.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Coverage

Qualifications

• At least one year of work experience in a law office or similar setting.
• Technologically proficient with Microsoft Office/365 and Adobe.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the workflow of the lawyer’s practice.
• Prepare, draft, format, and review legal documents including court forms.
• Communicate with clients and legal professionals to ensure inquiries are addressed.

Skills

Microsoft Office/365

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Basic Accounting Skills

Discretion and Sound Judgment

Education

Experience in Law Office

Tools

QuickBooks Accounting Software

Adobe

Job description

Singleton & Associates is an established law firm in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are hiring a full-time Legal-Assistant/Paralegal to support our busy criminal defence practice.

The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to our lawyers and work together with office staff in providing the highest standard of service to our clients.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
1. Manage, coordinate, and ensure the smooth workflow of lawyer’s practice.
2. Administrative duties including file and records management, document assembly, copying and binding, and managing incoming and outgoing mail, e-mail, and telephone calls.
3. Maintain lawyer calendars including scheduling and arranging appointments, court dates and other matters
4. Communicate with clients, court staff, and other legal professionals to coordinate various aspects of file management and ensure inquiries are addressed promptly and efficiently. This requires assertiveness, compassion, and an appreciation of matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity
5. Prepare, draft, format, and review legal documents including court forms and correspondence
6. Entry of disbursements and lawyer’s time into the accounting system to ensure accuracy of client billing.
7. Coordinating monthly billing process, preparing and sending out invoices and reminder notices to clients, following up on overdue accounts.
8. Keeping lawyers and impacted colleagues informed of any problems or delays in the completion of tasks on each file
9. Support & Coverage – where colleagues are on vacation or otherwise away from the office, assisting with fellow staff members’ responsibilities, including relief coverage at reception

QUALIFICATIONS
1. At least one year of work experience in a law office or similar setting
2. Technologically proficient with a proven ability using the full Microsoft Office/365 suite, including Outlook, other programs such as Adobe, and a strong ability to learn, embrace, and effectively use new technology
3. Organized and able to effectively prioritize and manage multiple requests concurrently, including tracking progress and follow-up on outstanding items with all parties involved including the lawyers, colleagues, and clients
4. Ready to ask questions to clarify requirements & ensure work is done properly and to keep lawyers and colleagues informed of progress or any delay in completing tasks
5. In time, develop confidence to act independently and anticipate lawyers’ needs
6. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including discretion and sound judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
7. Basic accounting skills.

IDEAL ATTRIBUTES
1. Experience with criminal law and familiarity with court practices, procedures, and systems would be an asset.
2. Experience with QuickBooks Accounting software considered an asset
3. Ability to work remotely, if needed

OFFER
We are pleased to offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and group insurance packages including health, dental, and vision coverage.

If you are interested in and meet the requirements for this position, please apply by email to Leora Lawson ([e-mail] ) with your resume and cover letter including contact information for at least two professional references.