Legal Practice Assistant, Corporate

The Law Office Management Association (TLOMA); Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Torys in Toronto is seeking a Legal Practice Assistant to manage the administrative side of the principal’s practice, providing proactive client service and strong organizational support.

You will coordinate travel, calendars, meetings, billing support, and file management while collaborating with multiple departments and the Document Specialists to ensure timely delivery of services.

Qualifications

• Legal Assistant diploma or post-secondary degree in Office Administration required.
• 5+ years of related experience in a legal professional services firm.
• Strong knowledge of legal terms, documents and procedures.
• Proficiency in MS Office product suite.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate travel, prepare itineraries and expense reports.
• Prepare client correspondence and maintain client databases.
• Manage calendars, meetings and conference scheduling.
• Handle mail, email and courier services; respond to inquiries.
• Enter docket time and monitor WIP; assist with prebills and invoices.
• Maintain and organize client files and engage with other departments.
• Assist with matters/projects and prepare reports.

Skills

Legal terms knowledge

MS Office

Client service orientation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability

Work under pressure

Education

Legal Assistant diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Torys is a highly respected international business law firm with offices in Toronto, New York, Calgary, Montréal and Halifax. We work together to offer seamless cross-border services to our clients all over the world.

As a Torys employee, you will enjoy both an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a supportive, collegial and team-based culture. Our positions are best suited to individuals who take pride and ownership in their work and demonstrate exceptional client service in everything they do. At Torys, we take pride in our ability to attract and retain individuals who excel in their respective fields. We do this by providing stimulating work and learning and development opportunities, as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Position Overview

The Legal Practice Assistant is responsible for the administrative side of the principal’s practice.

Key Accountabilities

Principal/Client Support

• Act as key contact for all matters relating to:
  • coordinating travel arrangements, preparing itineraries and travel expense reports;
  • completing LSUC renewal applications, and tracking CPD credits; and
  • updating bios, internal and external conferences, and liaising with Boards, etc.
• Prepare client correspondence in accordance with the requirements set by the principal/practice group, as required.
• Update contact names and addresses in Interaction and any other client databases.
• Coordinate client meetings, schedule boardrooms, and arrange for catering or audio-visual equipment.
• Update calendars for assigned principals, which includes meetings, appointments, due dates and client-related activities (i.e., set up/maintain tickler system to ensure principals engage with clients on a regular basis).
• Handle and review all incoming mail, email, fax communications, and arrange for specialized mail/courier/messenger services as required.
• Receive, handle, screen, and/or direct incoming calls as directed by principals. Respond to routine inquiries and requests from clients, and take messages as required.
• Respond promptly to requests and work collaboratively with other departments and members of the firm.
• Provide backup support when other Legal Practice Assistants are absent, are at capacity, and/or managing multiple/difficult deadlines.
• Work cooperatively with others in their team/quad in scheduling vacation, breaks/lunches, and absenteeism time to ensure principals are well supported.
• Coordinate activities with other departments and staff as required (e.g., Facilities, Marketing, etc.).
• Liaise and work closely with Document Specialists and Support Assistants, as appropriate, to ensure tasks are completed within a timely manner.
• Participate in projects and initiatives as assigned.

Financial Functions

• Partner with principals to ensure docket time is entered by set deadlines and follow up with principals as required.
• Monitor and review outstanding WIP (Work In Progress) to ensure timely billing.
• Prepare, print and review prebills (e.g., monthly, quarterly or on request) using 3E billing workflow and functionality, and revise according to client billing guidelines and Firm standards and policies. Ensure invoices are sent to clients in a timely manner.
• Prepare cheque requisitions as required to initiate payment of third-party invoices and filing fees
• Prepare various reports (e.g., spreadsheets) related to time/billing information for principals and/or clients.
• Proactively monitor specific clients and/or matters when Alternate Fee Arrangements are in place. Ensure special rates and discounts are applied to invoices. Actively monitor budget thresholds and update billing principals on status.

File Management

• Prepare engagement letters and work with the Conflicts and Records team to coordinate new file openings, matter intake, conflict search and audit requests.
• Maintain and organize files to ensure they are easily retrievable by principals, and file/scan all paper or electronic correspondence/records into the firms document management system. Work with Support Assistants, as required, to store client files as appropriate within firm guidelines.

Business Development

• Coordinate with various departments to ensure all necessary correspondence/documents are compiled for Pitches and
• Request for Proposals (i.e., principal bios, billing rates, etc.).

Project Management

• Assist principals with matter/project management support as required (e.g., set up and prepare reports, proactively monitor and track project items and related budget information).

Attributes & Experience

Qualifications

• Legal Assistant diploma or post-secondary degree/diploma in Office Administration is required.
• 5+ years related experience, preferably within a legal professional services firm.
• Must have strong knowledge of legal terms, documents and procedures.
• Proficient in MS Office product suite.

Core Competencies

• Strong client service orientation combined with the ability to manage multiple client needs at the same time.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, efficient and organized. Proactive and takes initiative.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
• Flexibility to occasionally work overtime.

Additional Information

We are committed to leveraging innovative tools to enhance our recruitment process. As part of this, we use AI-powered tools to assist in the initial stages of candidate shortlisting and screening. These tools help us evaluate applications more efficiently and consistently by focusing on qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to our roles. Although we use this technology, all applications are reviewed, and decisions made by our Human Resources team to ensure fairness and alignment with our firm policies. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel reach out to us at [e-mail].

At Torys, we are committed to diversity in the recruitment, retention and advancement of our people.

We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experience and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and enriches our lives.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

If you require immediate accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please contact Jenny Tavares, Director, Human Resources at [e-mail].

All offers of employment are subject to background checks.

This process includes criminal record checks, social media checks, and employment and educational background checks.

No Recruiters or Agencies Please.