Intermediate Legal Administrative Assistant - Environmental Law

ABOUT GOWLING WLG
 
 At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we’re proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other.

We’re intentional about building a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths.

Whether you’re pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what’s possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

PROFILE

We are currently seeking a Senior Legal Administrative Assistant to join our dynamic team. As an integral member of the Legal Administrative Assistant team, the incumbent will provide Litigation support to professionals within our Environmental group.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and prioritize the flow of work through the lawyer’s office, proactively following up on outstanding matters and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Prepare, draft, revise, serve, and file correspondence and litigation documents, and assist with preparations for trials, examinations for discovery, closings, and court proceedings, as required.
• Liaise between the lawyer and various internal and external individuals, groups, and clients at all levels.
• Take instructions, prioritize incoming work, follow through on assignments, and manage ongoing tasks.
• Establish internal protocols and tracking systems and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Exercise initiative and judgment to relieve the lawyer of administrative details.
• Create, monitor, and maintain client files to support effective file management and client service.
• Prepare accounts, manage pre-bills, and maintain a strong working proficiency with all accounting and billing procedures.
• Possess the ability to support more than one lawyer and undertake additional responsibilities as required within the share and team.
• Maintain schedules, book appointments, coordinate travel arrangements, and prepare expense reports.
• Perform other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma from a recognized college preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience as a Legal Administrative Assistant in a litigation environment, with strong experience and knowledge of Commercial and Civil Litigation and the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional proofreading skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and efficiently with clients, external contacts, and internal contacts throughout the firm.
• Highly organized and team-oriented, with the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage changing priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision, when required.
• Ability to manage stress and maintain a professional, business-like approach in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to produce a high volume of high-quality work, including under tight timelines.
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft 365, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and iManage (or a similar document management system).
• Knowledge of GoodReader, InterAction, and Expert Time would be considered an asset.

BENEFITS/PERKS

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 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 $61,000 to $79,000. 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. 

This position is currently vacant and is open to both internal and external candidates. Gowling WLG is recruiting for this role to support ongoing firm needs and team operations.

This employer may use tools within our applicant tracking system that include artificial intelligence–supported features, such as automated candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all screening, assessments, and selections are reviewed and completed by human recruiters and hiring managers.

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.