Career Opportunities

Financial Services Legal Assistant

Toronto
Permanent Full-Time

Overview

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, is currently looking for a Legal Assistant to join the Financial Services practice group in the Toronto office. 

The Assistant is responsible for providing day-to-day administrative support while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality. Responsibilities will include managing calendars, meetings, expenses, events, presentations, travel and correspondence, and providing support on other Firm initiatives as required. The Assistant is expected to build effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

  • Responsibilities

    Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Managing lawyers’ email inboxes and calendars — booking appointments, setting up conference calls, monitoring email inboxes and responding as required
    • Reviewing and prioritizing correspondence and emails, including drafting responses where suitable or redirecting to the appropriate individual for response
    • Scheduling and making work-related travel arrangements and ensuring travel tickets, itineraries and all required meeting documents are prepared in advance
    • Coordinating meetings and events, including developing and distributing agendas, reserving meeting rooms, and preparing, compiling and distributing supporting documents
    • Drafting and preparing for speaking engagements
    • Maintaining paper and e-filing systems
    • Managing a large volume of business expenses and performing expense reconciliation
    • Opening and closing files
    • Docketing and billing 
    • Working with various departments (e.g., finance and marketing), as needed
    • Liaising with clients regarding invoices, collections and preparation of WIP/AR reports
  • Education & Experience
    • College diploma, undergraduate degree or legal assistant diploma or equivalent is required
    • Minimum of two to five years of experience providing support to legal professionals in a professional services environment
  • Skills & Abilities
    • High proficiency in Microsoft Office, CMS, NetDocs and InterAction (or similar software)
    • Strong communication, organizational and time management skills
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
    • Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to exercise sound judgment
    • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
    • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality when interacting with internal and external clients
    • Willing to work flexible hours, as required
  • Compensation

    The anticipated annual salary for the Financial Services Legal Assistant position is $65,000–$75,000. Salary levels will be determined commensurate with internal equity, market equity and experience. 

  • Other Relevant Application Information

    Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

    While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with shortlisting, screening and evaluating applications.

    • About Blakes

    At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.

    Please submit your application, including your cover letter and résumé, directly to our application portal.

    Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

    Apply