Senior Legal Assistant, Immigration Law

BDO Law LLP; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO Law LLP in Vancouver is seeking a Senior Legal Assistant to join our Immigration Law practice. You will support lawyers and immigration professionals with high-quality legal and administrative services, handling inquiries, file management, and preparation of application packages.

This fast-paced role requires exceptional attention to detail, calendar management, Billing support, and coordination with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Legal Administrative Assistant, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a hectic and deadline-driven practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong calendar management and follow-up skills.
• Experience with billing, accounts receivable, and work-in-progress tracking is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, document management systems, and legal practice management software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
• Professional, client-service oriented, and calm under pressure.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to identify what needs to be done and follow through.

Responsibilities

• Respond to client and internal inquiries in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.
• Manage administrative matters for the practice, including opening files, maintaining records, organizing correspondence, and ensuring documents are properly saved and tracked.
• Prepare, scan, copy, assemble, and organize application packages, binders, and supporting materials.
• Assist with billing, including preparing draft invoices, reviewing time entries, coordinating billing information, and following up as required.
• Track accounts receivable, work in progress, and outstanding billing items, and provide regular updates to the lawyers or practice leads.
• Manage a busy and frequently changing calendar, including scheduling client calls, internal meetings, deadlines, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Monitor key dates and deadlines and proactively flag upcoming priorities.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Coordinate document execution, courier packages, filing materials, and other administrative logistics.
• Liaise with clients, team members, accounting, and other internal departments as needed.
• Support the lawyer and broader team with general administrative duties and special projects.
• Anticipate practice needs, identify gaps, and take proactive steps to keep matters moving forward.

Skills

Legal Administrative Assistant

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Calendar management

Billing experience

Microsoft Office / Outlook

Confidentiality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Document management systems

Legal practice management software

Job description

Putting people first, every day BDO is a firm built on a foundation of positive relationships with our people and our clients. Each day, our professionals provide exceptional service, helping clients with advice and insight they can trust. In turn, we offer an award-winning environment that fosters a people-first culture with a high priority on your personal and professional growth.

Your Opportunity

Our Vancouver office is looking for a Senior Legal Assistant to join BDO Law's Immigration Law practice. As part of a collaborative and client-focused team, you will play a key role in supporting lawyers and immigration professionals with the delivery of high-quality legal and administrative services. This position offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of immigration matters while building strong relationships with clients, government agencies, and internal stakeholders. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and contribute to delivering an outstanding client experience while owning the following responsibilities:

• Respond to client and internal inquiries in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.
• Manage administrative matters for the practice, including opening files, maintaining records, organizing correspondence, and ensuring documents are properly saved and tracked.
• Prepare, scan, copy, assemble, and organize application packages, binders, and supporting materials.
• Assist with billing, including preparing draft invoices, reviewing time entries, coordinating billing information, and following up as required.
• Track accounts receivable, work in progress, and outstanding billing items, and provide regular updates to the lawyers or practice leads.
• Manage a busy and frequently changing calendar, including scheduling client calls, internal meetings, deadlines, reminders, and follow-ups.
• Monitor key dates and deadlines and proactively flag upcoming priorities.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical files in accordance with firm procedures.
• Coordinate document execution, courier packages, filing materials, and other administrative logistics.
• Liaise with clients, team members, accounting, and other internal departments as needed.
• Support the lawyer and broader team with general administrative duties and special projects.
• Anticipate practice needs, identify gaps, and take proactive steps to keep matters moving forward.

How do we define success for your role?

You demonstrate BDO's core values through all aspect of your work: Integrity, Respect and Collaboration. You understand your client’s industry, challenges, and opportunities; clients describe you as positive, professional, and delivering high quality work. You identify, recommend, and are focused on effective service delivery to your clients. You share in an inclusive and engaging work environment that develops, retains & attracts talent. You actively participate in the adoption of digital tools and strategies to drive an innovative workplace. You grow your expertise through learning and professional development. You embody BDO’s people-first culture by doing work with genuine care, focusing on what matters, and embracing what’s next – collaborating with purpose, supporting others, and contributing to meaningful outcomes for clients and colleagues.

Your experience and education

• Previous experience as a Legal Administrative Assistant, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a hectic and deadline-driven practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong calendar management and follow-up skills.
• Experience with billing, accounts receivable, and work-in-progress tracking is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, document management systems, and legal practice management software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
• Professional, client-service oriented, and calm under pressure.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to identify what needs to be done and follow through.

The expected range of compensation for this role is $67,000 - $101,000 annually.

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Why BDO?

Our people-first approach to talent has earned us a spot among Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2026. This recognition is a milestone we’re thrilled to add to our collection of awards for both experienced and student talent experiences. At BDO, our people experience is guided by three core pillars—Do work with genuine care, Do what matters with purpose, and Do what’s next – shaping how we support our people, serve our clients, and grow together.

Our firm is committed to providing an environment where you can be successful in the following ways:

• We enable you to engage with how we change and evolve, being a key contributor to the success and growth of BDO in Canada.
• We help you become a better professional within our services, industries, and markets with extensive opportunities for learning and development.
• We support your achievement of personal goals outside of the office and making an impact on your community.
• We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, and you can do your best work with genuine care and purpose.
• We encourage innovation and forward thinking, empowering you to embrace what’s next and help shape the future of our firm.

Giving back adds up: Where company meets community. BDO is actively involved in our communities by supporting local charity initiatives. We support staff with local and national events where you will be given the opportunity to contribute to your community.

Total rewards that matter

• We pay for performance with competitive total cash compensation that recognizes and rewards your contribution.
• We provide comprehensive benefits from day one, and a flexible personal time off policy.
• We’re committed to supporting your overall wellbeing and provide reimbursement for wellness initiatives that fit your lifestyle.
• Everyone counts: We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can participate fully, contribute meaningfully and succeed without barriers.
• We are dedicated to fostering a workplace defined by respect, fairness, and a true sense of belonging for everyone.
• We recognize and celebrate the unique experiences, identities, and perspectives that each of us bring – and that these experiences strengthen how we work together.
• Our commitment extends to ensuring that our application process is both inclusive and accessible.
• If you require accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us.

Flexibility

All BDO personnel are expected to spend some of their time working in the office, at the client site, and virtually unless accommodations or alternative work arrangements are in place. Our model is a blended approach designed to support the flexible needs of our people, the firm and our clients. It’s about creating work experiences that meet everyone’s needs and providing flexibility to adjust when, where and how we work to meet the expectations of our role.

Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct sets clear standards for how we conduct business. It reflects our shared values and commitments and includes guiding principles to help us make ethical decisions and maintain trust with each other, our clients, and the public. BDO may use artificial intelligence enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process. While these tools assist our teams, our use of AI does not replace human decision making, and all employment-related outcomes are made by BDO personnel. More information on BDO Canada’s Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy | BDO Canada

Additional Benefits and Culture

When it comes to our people, we believe in helping you unlock possibilities, build your passions, and grow your competitive edge. From our expansive client base to growing talent pool, our people are the core of BDO. Our multi-award winning talent experience continues to make us proud. Our culture is open and collaborative. We foster inclusive ways to thinking and celebrate diversity among all contributors. We respect each other, do all things with integrity, and support our people to be their most authentic selves.