Job Title

Job descriptionLawson Clark & Oldman is one of Durham Regions oldest and well-respected law firms. We are seeking an experiencedWills & Estate Planning Law Clerk(minimum 2-5 years experience) to join our firm. The successful candidate will assist with all aspects of Wills and Estate Planning files and must have the ability to manage files from beginning to end. This is a full-time and permanent position, based in Ajax, Ontario(in-office not remote).The candidate must have a positive attitude, the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate must have strong attention to detail, and be proactive with excellent time-management skills. This position is best suited to qualified individuals who have excellent client service skills, are friendly and professional and are not shy about communicating with lawyers or clients directly. In addition, your refined organizational skills and outstanding ability to multi-task will ensure success in this role.This position would be the ideal opportunity for a Wills and Estate Planning Clerk with a professional work ethic seeking to work in a rewarding and fast-paced environment. We pride ourselves on having a culture that emphasizes collaboration, collegiality, open communication, continuous learning, humility and integrity.Duties and Responsibilities:Ability to successfully manage a large-volume estate planning practice, while tracking and adhering to deadlines (including urgent planning files);Responding to initial phone calls and emails from prospective clients;Telephone and general reception duties;Assisting with banking, as required;Scheduling appointments, follow-ups and signing meetings, and managing lawyers calendars and deadlines;Other administrative tasks, such as file management, organization and photocopying and scanning;Communicating effectively with clients and initiating follow-ups as required;Opening, organizing, and closing files;Drafting letters and emails to clients, and any third parties, (i.e. accountants; investment advisors; trust companies etc.) as applicableOrdering and conducting preliminary review of any due diligence searches, including: title sub-searches, charity registration searches, and corporate profile reports, etc.Preparing initial draft estate planning documents, including: Wills (including multiple Wills), Affidavits of Execution, and Powers of Attorney;Preparing all other administrative and practice management documentation, including the preparation of: retainer agreements; draft and final statement of accounts; reporting letters; acknowledgements and directions;Closing files (including assisting with archiving and storage of original estate planning documents);We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience. Successful candidates may have opportunity for growth in this role.Requirements:Minimum 2 -5 years experience working as a Wills & Estate Planning clerk;Law Clerk Diploma from an accredited Ontario Law Clerk program certified with the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario;Knowledge of the Law Society of OntariosRules of Professional Conduct;Knowledge of theSuccession Law Reform Act; and some knowledge of theChildrens Law Reform Actand theFamily Law Actwould be a strong asset;Knowledge in estates law would be a significant asset, but not a requirement;Excellent ability to multi-task, be highly organized and exceptional attention to detail;Professional and ability to work independently and juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment;Self-starter with ability to work independently, solve problems and demonstrate initiative;Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills;Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat;Compensation: Competitive salary (commensurate with experience) Paid vacation time Paid time off Extended health benefits (including dental care and life insurance) Complimentary on-site parking Possible supplemental pay type (bonus pay) Work-life balance (Work hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Ability to work some over-time hours; however, this is not a requirement) The successful candidate will have opportunity for career growthIf you are interested in this position, please forward your resume to , and include Wills Law Clerk in the e-mail subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest in our firm; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.