Legal Assistant – Litigation

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP seeks a seasoned Legal Assistant to support litigation teams in Ottawa. You will manage files, prepare and file court documents, and help ensure timely progress on matters with a strong focus on client service.

The role requires 5–10+ years in litigation, proficiency in MS Office, and keen organizational skills. On-site work in Ottawa with a strong commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration, Law Clerk, Office Administration – Legal, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5–10+ years of experience as a Legal Assistant in a litigation practice.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, proofread, and format correspondence, pleadings, motion materials, affidavits, and other legal documents.
• Coordinate the preparation, filing, and service of court documents, ensuring compliance with applicable court requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain litigation calendars, limitation dates, court deadlines, and other critical scheduling requirements.
• Open, organize, and maintain client files and records in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
• Coordinate communications with clients, courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other external stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate discoveries, mediations, hearings, meetings, and other litigation-related activities.
• Prepare lawyer dockets, assist with the preparation of accounts, and support billing and other financial administrative processes.
• Provide day-to-day administrative and practice support to lawyers, anticipating needs and helping ensure matters progress efficiently.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as required.

Skills

Organization & prioritization

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Initiative

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Client service

Work arrangement

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration / Law Clerk / Office Administration – Legal

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Legal Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and practice support to lawyers in a fast-paced litigation environment. This role involves managing litigation files and processes, preparing and formatting legal documents, coordinating court filings and deadlines, and supporting the efficient day-to-day operation of the practice. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, proofread, and format correspondence, pleadings, motion materials, affidavits, and other legal documents.
• Coordinate the preparation, filing, and service of court documents, ensuring compliance with applicable court requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain litigation calendars, limitation dates, court deadlines, and other critical scheduling requirements.
• Open, organize, and maintain client files and records in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
• Coordinate communications with clients, courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other external stakeholders.
• Schedule and coordinate discoveries, mediations, hearings, meetings, and other litigation-related activities.
• Prepare lawyer dockets, assist with the preparation of accounts, and support billing and other financial administrative processes.
• Provide day-to-day administrative and practice support to lawyers, anticipating needs and helping ensure matters progress efficiently.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration, Law Clerk, Office Administration – Legal, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5–10+ years of experience as a Legal Assistant in a litigation practice.
• Strong working knowledge of litigation procedures, court filing requirements, and the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Experience with construction litigation or construction law matters is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Professional interpersonal skills and a demonstrated commitment to providing excellent client service.
• Bilingualism in English and French is considered an asset.

Skills Required

• Organization and prioritization: Effectively manages multiple files, competing demands, and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail: Produces high-quality work and maintains accurate, well-organized files and records.
• Adaptability and problem-solving: Exercises sound judgment and responds effectively to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Initiative and independence: Works proactively, anticipates needs, and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities while recognizing when to seek guidance.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Works effectively with lawyers, colleagues, and other stakeholders to support the successful management of litigation matters.
• Confidentiality and professionalism: Handles sensitive information with discretion and maintains a high standard of professional conduct.
• Client service: Communicates clearly and professionally and contributes to a positive client experience.
• Position type: Full-time, vacant position
• Work arrangement: On-site
• Salary range: $50,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications