Legal Assistant – Estates & Tax | Toronto

In this Legal Assistant – Estates & Tax position you will support a busy practice. The ideal candidate should have strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills with the ability to work under pressure to meet important deadlines. The successful candidate should have the capacity to perform duties with speed and accuracy, with strong attention to detail. The role requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills as well as a client focused and professional attitude.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Review and finalize estate planning documents including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and reporting documentation
• Schedule virtual and in-person meetings directly with clients and other advisors and maintain schedule
• Attend as a second witness for execution of Wills and Powers of Attorney (virtual and in-person)
• Maintain/update “to-do” list for lawyers
• Prepare estate briefs and reports in hard copy and electronic format
• Scan, file and e-file a large volume of documentation
• Prepare Affidavits of Execution for Wills
• Regular use of our specialized Wills and Trust databases and data management program
• Vault original Estate and Trust documents
• Handle details with respect to accounting, opening and closing files, conflict searches, engagement letters, docketing, and billing, etc.
• Submit internal approvals for conferences, seminars, and sponsorships and ensure timely payment to outside organizations and timely submission of expense reports
• Book conference travel
• Handle a high volume of daily administrative tasks
• Communicate professionally with all internal and external clients
• Produce the highest quality of work
• Accountable for all work assigned
• Take initiative
• Confidential

Core Skills & Requirements:

• Minimum of eight  years’ legal experience, preferably in Wills & Estates
• Successful completion of a post-secondary Legal Assistant or Law Clerk program
• Ability to work as a team player and independently
• Courteous, client focused and professional attitude
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Handle time pressure situations and stress of multiple demands
• Flexible to the changing demands of the job
• Microsoft 365 suite of applications
• Ability to problem solve
• Good judgement and decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organized, resourceful, and detail-oriented