Legal Assistant (Litigation Department)

Fasken is a leading international business law and litigation firm. With over 900 lawyers and 1,100+ employees, we have offices in Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Tsuut’ina Nations, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, London, and Johannesburg. We provide strategic and thoughtful advice in virtually all areas of business law to a broad range of clients including close to half of the Fortune 100 companies, corporate clients, government agencies, regulatory authorities, non-profit bodies and individual clients.

We are a high-achieving, professional, entrepreneurial, team-oriented, and friendly place to work. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and offer a welcoming environment for all people. While we are here to service our clients and are a deadline-driven industry, we look to be innovative, and there are opportunities to participate in initiatives which make a difference in our firm and community.

Achieve excellence doing work that’s challenging and rewarding, with people you’ll like working with, in an environment that’s welcoming, supportive, entrepreneurial and innovative, where you’re a valued contributor, not just an employee. For additional information about the firm or this position, please visit our website at www.fasken.com.

LEGAL ASSISTANT (Litigation Department) - Calgary, AB

Job Summary

We are currently looking for a dynamic and experienced senior-level Legal Assistant with a minimum of ten (10+) years of experience in Litigation and Dispute Resolution. The successful candidate will independently manage the daily activities of her/his lawyers in their Litigation practices. The candidate will have a strong work ethic, be collaborative, professional, adaptable, positive and interested in their work.

Work Environment

Hybrid remote work arrangements are available following three (3) months of employment, subject to the requirements of the Litigation Group and their requirements for onsite office support to meet client or business needs. The successful candidate must live in or around Calgary, AB and be able to commute to the office as often as required. While this is a hybrid role, following three (3) months of employment, the majority of the work may be onsite and flexibility is required.

Fasken Calgary has a mandatory requirement of three (3) days in office and up to two (2) days remote, work permitting. In-office requirements are subject to change, based on business needs as determined by the Firm’s management. 

Hours of work are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Flexibility for occasional pre-authorized overtime may be required to meet client and business needs.

For Indigenous candidates interested in employment on-reserve, there may be an opportunity at Fasken to do so at our Alberta office situated on Tsuut'ina Nation, west of Calgary. Such candidates are encouraged to speak to Human Resources during the interview process to obtain additional information.

At Fasken, success means:

• Having a strong client service approach – you’re ready, willing, and able to put our clients first and exceed their expectations.
• Caring about one another – you possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build harmonious working relationships within your immediate team, across other departments in the firm, and the community.
• Working collaboratively – you’re a self starter who values working in a collaborative team based environment.
• Possessing exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written) when dealing with lawyers, clients, staff and third parties.
• Approaching your work with agility and the willingness to learn and utilise new technology.
• Being adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while being organized and maintaining accuracy with a high attention to detail.
• Demonstrating strong research, investigative and problem solving skills with the ability to exercise judgement to resolve issues.
• Treating sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and diplomacy at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

• Handling all administrative duties such as email and calendar management, coordinating meetings, making travel arrangements, etc.
• Manage multiple calendars, including scheduling meetings, court appearances, and arbitration hearings, while tracking all related deadlines.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, courts, and other external parties.
• Review legal documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Use legal software and tools for case management, e-discovery, and document automation.
• Provide administrative support during court proceedings and client meetings, including preparation, coordination and follow-up.
• Collaborate with legal professionals and other assistants to meet deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and ethical guidelines.
• Preparing and maintaining a bring-forward system, as well as providing appropriate reminders.
• Under legal professional supervision, preparing legal documents and correspondence according to precedents and/or instructions (drafting letters, revising draft documents, and preparing document comparisons).
• Transcribing digital dictation, as required by lawyer’s practice.
• Assist with monthly billing processes, including entering time dockets, preparing draft bills, and liaising with accounting as required.
• Supporting administrative and logistic needs for small client events, promotional items and gifts, event tickets, or internal lunches and dinners. 
• Ensuring all physical and electronic filing is organized and up to date on a regular basis.
• Support onboarding of new matters, including conflict checks and engagement letter preparation.
• Delegating tasks to, and coordinating with, other administrative departments.
• Providing backup coverage in the absence of other assistants.
• Other duties, as assigned, such as reception coverage from time to time.

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Completion of a Legal Assistant diploma is a requirement; however, an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and professional expertise will also be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Legal Assistant, with a focus in Commercial Litigation (medium to large firm experience preferred).
• Experience in dispute resolution, injunctions and class actions is considered an asset.
• Experience and a strong understanding of the commercial courts process, as well as the higher levels of court (Federal, Court of Appeal), are considered an asset.
• In-depth understanding of business and legal terminology.
• Solid computer and typing skills; proficiency in Microsoft 365, Excel, Power Point, Adobe Pro, digital dictation, iManage, etc.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and collaborate within a fast‑paced team environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities.

Candidates who do not meet all the listed requirements are still encouraged to apply, as diverse experiences and perspectives are valued.

Reporting Structure

• This role reports to the Supervisor, Legal Support Services.

What we offer:

Join our friendly, collaborative and rewarding work environment where your professional development is supported, and your contributions are encouraged and valued.  In a full-time, permanent role, we offer the following:

• A competitive total compensation package
• Flexible medical and dental benefits, including telemedicine services
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Short and long term disability insurance
• Employee and family assistance program (EFAP)
• Group retirement savings plan with matching contributions
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Personal days
• Wellness Subsidy and educational reimbursement
• Transportation monthly subsidy
• Maternity/parental leave top up
• Employee referral program
• Firm paid professional memberships related and required by role
• Opportunities to give back to your community through Firm initiatives

Diversity and Inclusion

At Fasken we believe a diverse workplace comprises individuals with unique backgrounds, characteristics and qualities. An inclusive workplace creates an equitable environment where individuals are respected and where they are welcome. Fasken is committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

Accessibility and Accommodation

It is important to our Firm that all its members, including those with disabilities, find our workplace to be welcoming and supportive. Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Compensation

The salary range for this position varies based on market rates and experience levels of the qualified candidate. The base pay offered is based on factors such as location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal and market equity. Candidates are encouraged to discuss desired salary ranges within the application and interview process to confirm alignment with budgeted compensation.

Background and Reference Checks

Any offer of employment may be conditional upon full background checks including a criminal record check, a credit check, employment and educational verification.

AI Disclosure

Please note that artificial intelligence tools may be used to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

Your Application

The successful candidate will be detail oriented, a team player and will have excellent organizational & communication skills, both written and oral and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and superior client service environment. We provide a collegial work environment, competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Please submit your resume and cover letter in confidence through our candidate applicant portal on www.fasken.com.

We thank all candidates for applying, however, only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

NO AGENCIES, PLEASE.