Legal Administrative Assistant - Intellectual Property (Patents)

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

When it comes to diversity, we not only accept it — we celebrate it, support it and thrive on it. To create an engaging and rewarding place to work, we seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks/paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business support services team work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office is currently seeking a Legal Administrative Assistant for our Intellectual Property group with a focus on Patent Prosecution. The successful candidate will perform full legal administrative work of a responsible and confidential nature for one or more professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize and expedite the flow of work through the professional’s practice, initiating any follow-up action as appropriate
• Keep abreast of Canadian Intellectual Property Office (patent and design office) procedures and requirements, exercise sound judgment to seek advice
• Proficiency operating in an electronic and paperless environment
• Accurately prepare legal documents and correspondence with minimal direction
• Transcribe and type legal documents and correspondence
• Liaise between the legal professionals and various internal and external individuals, groups and clients at all levels
• Work proactively in the day-to-day support of the professional’s practice
• Balance and reconcile petty cash and other administrative charges
• Prepare invoices, assist in collections and ebilling.
• Use initiative and good judgement to relieve the professionals of administrative detail

QUALIFICATIONS

• Administrative Assistant or Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma or relevant post-secondary education.
• At least 8 years’ experience as a Legal Administrative Assistant, ideally within Intellectual Property with a focus on Patents.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Ability to work in a team environment with a professional demeanour.
• Ability to work independently with initiative and exercise sound judgement with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Thorough, conscientious and strong proofreading skills.
• Ability to independently learn and use electronic tools, systems and applications.

Gowling WLG is proud to offer equal employment opportunities.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.