Litigation Support Clerk (Toronto)

Position Overview

The Litigation Support Clerk is responsible for providing daily administrative support to the litigation law clerks as it relates to all procedural aspects of litigation files from start to finish. In addition, the Litigation Support Clerk will also perform some billable tasks under the supervision of law clerks. This role is designed to prepare the incumbent for a junior law clerk role at the appropriate time.

Key Accountabilities

• Supporting litigation law clerks with the organization and coordination of procedural aspects of litigation files at all relevant stages, including but not limited to preparing appeal books and compendia, motion records, mediation briefs, and trial records.
• Participating in coordinated mentorship program which would provide exposure to most, if not all, of the following tasks, with the expectation that some of the more routine documents would be prepared by the Litigation Support Clerk under the supervision of the law clerks:
  • Administrative support
    • providing administrative support, including preparing cheques, couriers, expense reports, preparing initial drafts of shells of standard correspondence, including memos and letters, access to clerk calendars, managing vacation and shared group calendars, preparing charts, research (calls with courts, finding precedents), coordinating with office services (boardroom bookings, helpdesk, print services).
  • Creation or drafting of documents for examinations for discovery, mediations, court proceedings and other hearings
    • preparing affidavits of documents, witness briefs, mediation and pre-trial briefs, motion materials and correspondence on a broad range of litigation matters
    • updating undertakings and refusals charts
    • preparing bills of costs and costs outlines
    • assembling trial briefs and other materials
  • Participation in trials and other hearings
    • managing communications with Masters, trial coordination office, etc.
    • arranging court reporters, litigation technology and other types of support as required (e.g. printing services, etc.)
    • attending trial or hearings, and providing assistance in chambers as necessary (e.g. marking exhibits, etc.)
    • providing off-hours support for law clerk who is assisting trial team
  • Specialized procedures or subject-matter
    • providing support in patent, trademark and copyright disputes before all levels of court, intellectual property tribunals and regulatory bodies as well as on injunctions and other types of hearings
    • providing support in a variety of class proceedings, including but not limited to product liability, employment law, and securities claims
    • providing support in international arbitrations

Attributes & Experience

• Law clerk diploma or successful completion of the Institute of Law Clerk Ontario courses.
• Minimum 2 years of previous related experience, preferably within a professional services firm.
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office product suite - which includes a strong working knowledge of Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Background or strong interest in litigation.
• Strong client service orientation combined with the ability to manage multiple client needs with a sense of urgency.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Sound judgment including the ability to deal with confidential information with utmost discretion.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels within the organization.
• A proactive, self-starter who is able to manage multiple competing demands with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should forward their resume to Karen Pais, Manager, Legal Talent Operations.

At Torys we are committed to diversity in the recruitment, retention and advancement of our people. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and enriches our lives. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. If you require immediate accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please contact Karen Pais, Manager, Legal Talent Operations.