Senior Law Clerk - Corporate Services

Gowling WLG; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage

15+ vacation days

Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks

Group Retirement Savings Plan

Financial protection through various insurance

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Recognition awards and supportive culture

Job summary

A national law firm is seeking a skilled Senior Law Clerk for its Business Law Department. The role involves drafting legal documents primarily in the not-for-profit sector and providing corporate secretarial services. Candidates should have at least 10 years of legal experience, with proficiency in mentoring junior legal staff. The position offers extensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid health coverage and hybrid work flexibility, with a starting salary range of $78,000 to $88,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years legal experience as a Law Clerk/Paralegal in Ontario, 5 in the not-for-profit area.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coach, train and mentor junior associates.

Responsibilities

• Independently drafts not-for-profit documentation under CNCA and ONCA.
• Provides corporate secretarial services, including minute-taking at meetings.
• Evaluates files to determine appropriate processes and critical deadlines.

Skills

Legal documentation drafting

Client liaison

Mentoring

Communication skills

PPSA knowledge

Education

10 years legal experience as a Law Clerk/Paralegal

Tools

Athennian

EnAct

GlobalAct

ALF

Job description

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.

The position may be located at any of our offices in Ontario.

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.

BENEFITS/PERKS

• 100% employer‑paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top‑up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full‑time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long‑term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

The starting range for this role is $78,000 to $88,000. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.