Senior Legal Assistant – Commercial / Construction Litigation
Location: Ottawa, ON (In Office)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $70,000 – $85,000+ per year, based on experience

A well-established mid-sized law firm in Ottawa is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Assistant to support a senior lawyer in a busy commercial and construction litigation practice. The ideal candidate will bring extensive litigation experience, exceptional organizational abilities, and strong attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated administrative and legal support to senior counsel in a busy litigation practice.
• Manage client files from intake through closing, including maintaining electronic and physical file organization.
• Monitor and organize incoming correspondence and emails, identifying action items, deadlines, and follow-up requirements.
• Track litigation deadlines, limitation periods, court dates, and procedural timelines; maintain calendar and bring-forward systems.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and third parties by phone and email.
• Coordinate meetings, discoveries, mediations, examinations, and other appointments (virtual and in person).
• Draft and prepare correspondence, legal memoranda, file notes, and other documentation for lawyer review/signature.
• Prepare, assemble, and file litigation materials including pleadings, motion records, affidavits, trial records, construction lien documents, and related court filings.
• Process docket entries, prepare invoices, and assist with accounts receivable follow-up.
• Provide additional administrative and litigation support as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years of litigation experience, preferably in commercial and/or construction litigation.
• Diploma or certificate in Legal Assistant / Law Clerk studies considered an asset; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Thorough understanding of Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, Construction Act, and construction lien processes.
• Experience with filings before Superior Court, Small Claims Court, Federal Court, administrative tribunals, and bankruptcy/commercial court.
• Familiarity with Justice Services Online, Case Center, and electronic court filing platforms.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365, Outlook, Adobe Pro, and legal software/document management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities independently in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.