Legal Assistant – Family Law – 3+ Years - Toronto (Hybrid)

About the position Lerners is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the Family Law practice group in the Toronto, Ontario office. The ideal candidate will have over three (3) years of experience working in a similar position. This is a Hybrid position and requires a minimum of 3 (three) days per week in the office. Lerners provides a full range of legal services throughout Southwestern Ontario and maintains an attractive work environment with excellent support services and state-of-the-art technology. Lerners’ employees enjoy a fast-paced work environment and a supportive, collegial culture. Our positions are best suited to individuals who take pride in their work and understand the importance of exceptional client service. Responsibilities • Serve as a first point of contact for clients and prospective clients, including answering phones, handling general inquiries, and responding to initial client intake and screening requests. • Coordinate new client intake processes, including conflict checks, preparation of retainer and privacy documentation, and opening and closing client files. • Schedule appointments and coordinate internal and external meetings, including teleconferences, case conferences, and settlement conferences; prepare agendas, materials, and minutes as required. • Maintain lawyer calendars, proactively monitor deadlines, and manage an effective bring-forward (BF) system to support file progression. • Draft, format, proofread, and process legal documents and correspondence based on precedents, including agreements, applications, submissions, and family court filings. • Prepare and organize materials for client meetings, mediations, hearings, and ongoing file administration. • Maintain accurate and detailed electronic and paper file organization, including uploading, naming, and managing documents within the firm’s Document Management System (iManage), and ensuring correspondence is appropriately filed. • Manage incoming and outgoing communications, including filing emails in the DMS, distributing correspondence to lawyers and law clerks, and ensuring timely follow-up on file-related matters. • Compile, update, serve, and file family court materials, including pleadings, motion materials, submissions, Continuing Records, and Motion Records, in compliance with applicable rules and procedures, in collaboration with law clerks and lawyers. • Serve and file all documents related to family court proceedings, including the use of Case Center to upload, organize, and manage court materials. • Issue Orders and assist with related court documentation processes. • Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, experts, service providers, and other external stakeholders. • Assist with billing and financial administration, including preparation of accounts, requesting and issuing invoices, processing payments and deposits, coordinating payment of third-party invoices and disbursements, and liaising with accounting staff on accounts receivable and payable matters. • Organize and submit expense reports and assist with administrative financial tracking as required. • Coordinate with other support staff (law clerks, assistants, records, and mailroom) to ensure timely and accurate completion of work, and provide support across files as needed. • Act as a point of contact on assigned files, including responding to client and file-related inquiries when lawyers are unavailable. • Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism. • Perform other duties as required to support the efficient administration and operation of the practice. Requirements • Legal Assistant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • At least three (3) years of experience as a Legal Assistant in a legal environment; family law experience is an asset. • Strong understanding of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, including court procedure, service requirements, deadlines, and court forms. • Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines. • Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to anticipate needs and take the appropriate next steps. • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and client-focused approach. • Sound judgement, critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. • Demonstrated commitment to high-quality client service, confidentiality and professionalism. • Strong Microsoft Office skills and comfort quickly learning firm-specific systems. • Comfort working with technology in a remote or hybrid environment. Nice-to-haves • Family law experience • Experience with legal software such as DivorceMate, iManage, ACL, Case Center and/or OneDrive Benefits • Health, Extended Health, Dental and Vision care • LTD insurance • Life insurance • Parking/Transit reimbursement • RRSP matching program • Paid Volunteer Time • Referral Bonus • Employee Assistance Program

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