Legal Assistant/Law Clerk at Gehl & Gehl Professional Corporation

Position: Legal Assistant/Law Clerk (Criminal Law Focus)

Company: Gehl & Gehl Professional Corporation

Location: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON (Hybrid/Remote)

Job Type: Full-Time

About Gehl & Gehl Professional Corporation

Gehl and Gehl is a respected law firm that has been providing high quality legal services in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas for 40 years. Together, we are a team of three lawyers and one law student and a dedicated support staff that come in every day with one goal in mind; to improve the lives of our clients. We will fiercely safeguard your interests and provide sound and reliable legal advice and assistance for whichever matter has been brought to our door. We are also recognized for our friendly and collegial, yet professional atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to justice. We are currently seeking a highly organized, tech-savvy, and articulate Legal Assistant/Law Clerk to join our busy practice, working specifically in criminal law.

Position Summary

We are looking for a candidate who possesses a blend of administrative precision, financial knowledge, and professional presence. This role extends beyond traditional clerical duties; it requires an individual capable of managing complex litigation calendars and appearing as an agent for the firm in virtual court settings.

Core Responsibilities
• Act as a professional agent for the firm by attending virtual criminal court proceedings in various jurisdictions. Responsibilities include speaking to administrative matters on the record, specifically regarding adjournments and setting future dates.
• Proactively manage the lawyers’ professional calendars, ensuring the seamless coordination of court dates, client consultations, and filing deadlines.
• Facilitate the advancement of files by liaising with Crown Attorneys and Court Administration to schedule judicial pre-trials (JPTs) and other critical case management events.
• Oversee the firm’s billing operations with a high degree of accuracy. This includes generating detailed accounts for private retainer clients and managing the submission of accounts to Legal Aid Ontario, ensuring strict compliance with all tariff guidelines and deadlines.
• Maintain comprehensive digital and physical files, draft professional correspondence, and serve as a primary liaison between the firm and its clients.

Qualifications & Experience
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in a legal support role, with a strong preference for Criminal Law experience.
• Education: Completion of a Legal Assistant or Law Clerk diploma from an accredited institution is preferred but not required. Extensive relevant experience in a criminal law setting may be substituted for formal education requirements.
• Licensing (Asset): A valid Paralegal (P1) License with the Law Society of Ontario is considered a significant asset for this position due to the requirement for court appearances.
• Virtual Court Competency: Demonstrated ability to navigate virtual platforms like Zoom.
• Financial Literacy: Proficiency in legal billing software and a thorough understanding of the Legal Aid Online billing portal and tariff structures (REQUIRED).
• Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for court appearances. The candidate must be articulate, confident, and respectful of court protocol.
• Organizational Excellence: Ability to manage high-volume caseloads with meticulous attention to detail and discretion.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and legal practice management software.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a formal cover letter and resume in response to this posting. Please ensure your cover letter outlines your specific experience with Legal Aid billing and court appearances.

If you have questions about this role, please contact Aya Kadhem by email at aya@gehlgehl.com

Gehl & Gehl Professional Corporation is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Application question(s):
• Are you able to travel to our office in Waterloo, or the Waterloo Region Courthouse in Kitchener, on an as-needed basis?

Experience:
• Legal Aid Billing: 2 years (preferred)
• Court Appearance: 2 years (preferred)

Willingness to travel:
• 25% (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, ON N2L 3L3