Legal Assistant, Litigation – Patterson Law, Downtown Halifax

Nova Scotia Barristers' Society; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Halifax is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to provide essential support in civil and estate litigation. The role includes managing client files, coordinating schedules, and handling legal documentation. Ideal candidates should possess strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and relevant experience in a fast-paced legal environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Group insurance coverage on day one

Pension plan membership after a year

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience in legal administration, preferably in Litigation.
• Understanding of litigation proceedings and legal terminology.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and administrative support under lawyer direction.
• Manage client files and ensure smooth operation of lawyers' practice.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Confidentiality

Multi-tasking

Time Management

Education

Paralegal diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and energetic LEGAL ASSISTANT to join our Halifax Litigation group.

The Legal Assistant, under lawyer direction, will provide legal and administrative support, particularly in the areas of civil and estate litigation, and in the overall management of the assigned lawyer(s) practice.

Location: Downtown Halifax – 1801 Hollis Street

Work Schedule: Standard work hours are 34.5 per week; 9:00-5:00 Monday to Friday. Some flexibility and occasional overtime may be required.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
· Manage, coordinate, and ensure the smooth flow of work in the assigned lawyers’ practice, which includes commercial, civil and estate litigation.
· General administrative duties including file and records management, transcription, scheduling and arranging meetings, conferences, seminars, lunches, dinners, travel, etc. when required; coordination of lawyers’ billing and following up regarding unpaid accounts
· Manage incoming emails and correspondence and filing electronically in appropriate shared file management system
· Establish and organize client files, monitor calendars, meet deadlines, document actions, and maintain a reminder/bring forward system to ensure necessary steps are initiated in a timely fashion
· Assist with preparing, compiling, serving, and filing court documents and other legal correspondence and forms
· Manage, prepare and submit client office expenses, and cheque requisitions for disbursements in a timely manner
· Prepare, draft and review correspondence and legal documents including pleadings, briefs, court orders, affidavits, and other documents as directed by the lawyer
· Maintain lawyer calendars, including appointment scheduling, court dates and other matters
· Assist with internal and external coordination of logistics with respect to examinations for discovery, trials, and hearings
· Collaborate with counsel, clients and vendors for the collection, review and production of documents
· Liaise with multiple court offices to acquire copies of documents from Court files
· Arrange courier service of documents
· Take a proactive approach to urgent matters by initiating the necessary action, particularly when the lawyers are away from the office to attend court or meet with clients
· Prepare forms and follow internal and external protocols
· Any other additional projects and tasks as required, including assisting with overflow work for the office and providing occasional reception coverage.

QUALIFICATIONS
· Successful completion of Paralegal diploma or equivalent
· At least two (2) years’ experience in legal administration, preferably in support of Litigation practice
· Understanding of various litigation proceedings, including good working knowledge of legal terminology, court rules and procedures
· Ability to work independently, taking initiative when appropriate and having sound judgment to know when to seek lawyer guidance before acting
· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion
· Highly organized, detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure
· Ability to manage a high volume of files, demonstrating good judgment and utmost professionalism at all times and particularly when working under pressure
· Ability to effectively prioritize, track, and follow-up on outstanding items with all parties involved including the lawyers, colleagues, and clients
· Excellent typing and communication skills (verbal and written), including attention to detail and accuracy and capacity to work calmly under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities
· Energetic, flexible, and willing to pitch in wherever necessary

If you are interested in this fast-paced role and meet the requirements of this position, please apply with resume and cover letter to [e-mail] .

ABOUT US
Patterson Law is an established Nova Scotia law firm with offices in Truro, New Glasgow, Halifax, and Bridgewater and with clients whose interests range from global to purely local. Our more than 150 lawyers and staff are dedicated to meeting our clients’ diverse legal needs. We endeavour to maintain the highest standard of service to our clients. This can only be accomplished by employing qualified, educated, and motivated staff.

We are pleased to offer our staff a competitive salary, group insurance coverage on day one, and pension plan membership after a year.

Patterson Law hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to employment equity and welcome diversity. Applications are encouraged from all interested and qualified individuals.