Legal Assistant, Labour and Employment Law

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Counsel, Labour and Employment Law, provides confidential, legal and administrative support, including drafting or preparing correspondence, legal documents and various court documents for the Counsel and Senior Associate Counsel and administrative and management of legal practice. 

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

•    Drafts and/or prepares agreements, contracts, correspondence, and other documentation pertaining to labour and employment matters, including HRTO, WSIB/WSIAT, and OLRB forms and pleadings, Statements of Defence and various court documents relative to claims against the Regional Corporation and York Regional Police.
•    Assists in drafting and in the preparation of confidential correspondence, documents and reports.
•    Maintains filing system, precedents etc. and updates records and lists to ensure accuracy; files correspondence, reports and other documents in accordance with Regional standards and assists with records management (Versatile/eDocs).
•    Produces and distributes documents, ensuring security and confidentiality of information.
•    Acts as the communications link between Counsel and cross-department staff, outside agencies and the public. 
•    Participates in meetings, staff committees and work groups as assigned.
•    Provides back-up coverage, as required, during the absences of other Legal Assistants/Law Clerks. 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

•    Successful completion of a post-secondary education in a Legal Assistant Program or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
•    Minimum of five (5) years legal administrative experience in a litigation or labour and employment practice
•    Thorough knowledge of the preparation of various legal documents, contracts, agreements, records and file systems, and clerical administrative practices.
•    Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.  
•    Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications and Westlaw and/or research databases.
•    Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.

All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.