Senior Law Clerk, Business Law

Gowling WLG; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Gowling WLG seeks a Senior Law Clerk for its Ottawa office, primarily working in the not-for-profit sector. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, liaising with clients, and mentoring junior staff. The role demands extensive legal expertise and strong communication skills, with a commitment to teamwork and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years legal experience as a Law Clerk/Paralegal in Ontario, 5 in not-for-profit.
• Strong communication skills and ability to mentor junior staff.
• Knowledge of CNCA, ONCA, OBCA, CBCA and legal terminology.

Responsibilities

• Independently drafts not-for-profit documentation and corporate secretarial services.
• Acts as frontline liaison with clients and reviews files for appropriate processes.
• Trains and mentors junior associates and law clerks.

Skills

Communication

Legal Analysis

Teamwork

Tools

Athennian

GlobalAct

EnAct

ALF

Job description

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our Firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our Firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help our Firm members reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our Firm’s diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

Based in the Ottawa office, we are seeking a Senior Law Clerk for our Business Law Department to join our Corporate Services team to practice primarily in the not-for-profit area along with some limited for-profit work requiring the proficiency of a Senior Law Clerk.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In the not-for-profit role, independently drafts a variety of not-for-profit documentation under each of the CNCA and the ONCA, including articles of incorporation, articles of amendment (including transitional amendments under the ONCA), restated articles of incorporation, dissolutions, revivals, by-laws (including those containing more complex director qualifications and multiple classes of membership), organizational documents, annual documents, minutes of meetings, notices of director and member meetings, meeting agendas, chairperson scripts, codes and policies, closing agendas, corporate compliance charts, minute book reviews and rectifications, asset purchase and amalgamation agreements and related documents, and correspondence, all to meet the needs of the various steps required throughout the conduct of the file.
• In the limited for-profit role, independently drafts a variety of documentation, including articles of incorporation and amendments, articles of amalgamation, tax driven reorganizations, dissolutions, minute book reviews and rectifications, share and asset purchase agreements and related agreements and documents, and correspondence to meet the needs of the various steps required throughout the conduct of the file, in accordance with applicable legislation, governing regulations and/or corporate governance documents.
• Evaluates the file to review facts, determine appropriate processes and plans the steps necessary for the conduct of the file, ensuring critical deadlines are identified and met.
• Provides corporate secretarial services to various clients, including attending meetings to take minutes.
• Often acts as the frontline liaison with the client for corporate matters connected with their file.
• Undertakes to train and mentor junior associates, law clerks and students within the Corporate Services team and the Business Law Department.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, employing good communication and social skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with the PPSA would be of interest.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 10 years legal experience as a Law Clerk/Paralegal in the Province of Ontario, 5 of which should be in the not-for-profit area.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other Firm members, with the aptitude to take care of clients’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Aptitude to coach, train and mentor junior associates, law clerks and students.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to professionals, law clerks and legal administrative assistants.
• Knowledgeable about current relevant legislation and government regulations including each of the CNCA, the ONCA, the OBCA and the CBCA.
• In depth knowledge of legal terminology and principles.
• Ability to analyze legal documents for accuracy.
• Ability to produce a high quality and quantity of work product, occasionally under tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize and to redefine priorities as and when necessary.
• Experience with Athennian or similar corporate database such as EnAct, GlobalAct or ALF is an asset.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.