Legal Practice Assistant - Intellectual Property

Borden Ladner Gervais; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BLG in Ottawa is seeking a Practice Assistant to join our dynamic Trademark IP team. You will support Trademark Agents and clerks, coordinate important dates, and help manage correspondence and materials for client matters.

The role requires a Diploma in Law Clerk/Paralegal/Legal Administration with at least 3 years' IP Assistant experience, strong English communication, and solid MS Office skills. A fast-paced, collaborative environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Law Clerk, Paralegal or Legal Administration diploma.
• Minimum of 3 years' IP Assistant experience supporting Trademark Agents/Lawyers.
• Excellent oral and written English communications.
• Advanced knowledge of Word/Outlook/Excel/PowerPoint and typing ~60 wpm.
• Committed to updating knowledge on technology and best practices.
• Strong teamwork and organizational skills; detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Be the principal point of contact for assigned Agents and support team members.
• Assist in coordinating workflow for the Trademark IP practice.
• Coordinate scheduling of client meetings, conferences and team events.
• Ensure documents, reports and presentations are accurate before delivery.
• Monitor Agent diaries and support matter intake, billing and collections.
• Assist Agents with marketing activities including pitches and presentations.
• Provide day-to-day support to meet Agents' needs and deliver excellent client service.

Skills

Excellent communication

MS Office proficiency

Typing 60 wpm

English language

Education

Post-Secondary Law Clerk/Paralegal/Legal Administration diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

We are BLG: Canada's Law Firm. Our culture is one of vigilance and curiosity, Firm-wide collaboration, unfailing mutual respect and dedication. We pride ourselves on having standout talent and delivering an exceptional client experience. We are a future-minded Firm delivering high-value advice and known for our unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity and inclusion, community involvement and talent development. Learn more about us at www.blg.com .

Purpose of Role

The Practice Assistant is a key member of a dynamic and innovative group of Trademark Agents, clerks and legal support staff, providing the highest level of service to our clients, while having the opportunity to cultivate your skills as part of our successful national Intellectual Property Trademark team, within Canada's premier full-service law firm.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

Right from the start you will:

• Be the principle point of contact for assigned Agents, assuming overall accountability for work requested involving key members of the support team, such as Clerks, Document Specialists, Administrative Assistants and members of the Business Services team
• Actively participate as a contributing member of the team to support and proactively organize the flow of work for specific Agents in the Trademark Intellectual Property practice
• Coordinate the scheduling of important dates including client meetings, conferences, and Agent and team meetings
• Be accountable for correspondence, documents, reports, presentations, etc. produced by the Document Production team before they are passed to the relevant Agent and undertake amendments where appropriate
• Diligently monitor Agent daily diaries
• Support and coordinate commercial management activities such as matter intake, billing and collections
• Support Agents in marketing activities including involvement in preparation of pitches and presentations
• Provide day to day support as required to meet the needs of our Agents and provide excellent client service

Key Competencies

What you will bring to this role:

• Post-Secondary Law Clerk, Paralegal or Legal Administration diploma
• A minimum of 3 years' relevant experience as an IP Assistant supporting Trademark Agents/Lawyers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, research tools and other systems implemented by the firm and an accurate typing speed of approximately 60 words per minute
• Committed to furthering their knowledge to remain up-to-date on current technology and best practices
• Excellent communication, organizational and teamwork skills
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to think ahead and use initiative
• Flexible, dependable and able to remain calm under pressure and work to tight deadlines
• Conscientious, approachable and enthusiastic
• Able to quickly build confidence, respect, and trust with others
• Have a positive approach to daily tasks and have a solutions focused working method
• Adaptability to ever changing priorities and deadlines

The expected salary range for this position is $55,000 - $70,000, depending on level of experience, region/location, and other factors.

BLG is committed to building a diverse workplace reflective of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive culture where Firm members feel valued, respected and inspired to thrive as their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the unique skills, perspectives and experience each individual brings to BLG. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applicants from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented , including but not limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, people who identify as women and/or LGBTQ2S+.

We also strive to provide an accessible candidate experience. Please let us know if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process.