paralegal

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Advise clients on intellectual property matters and represent clients before the Registrar of Trade-Marks
• Advise clients on legal proceedings
• Assemble documentary evidence in preparation for trial
• Be responsible for the administration of the estate and the distribution of assets
• Co-ordinate administrative services
• Draft contracts, prepare promissory notes and draw up wills, mortgages and other legal documents
• Handle probate to certify the validity of a will
• Help in preparing and completing applications for simple joint and uncontested divorces, domestic contracts and name changes
• Interview clients, witnesses and other related parties
• Issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants
• Perform clerical duties, such as maintain filing systems
• Represent clients before administrative tribunals and boards regarding criminal driving offences
• Take legal action on landlord and tenant matters
• Write trial briefs
• Establish work priorities for court staff
• Prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits
• Receive affidavits, declarations and affirmations
• Represent clients at proceedings before the Trade Marks Opposition Board and in related proceedings
• Research records, court files and other legal documents
• Schedule court trials
• Arrange pre-trial conferences and hearings
• Assist lawyers in preparation for mediation and judicial dispute resolutions
• Represent clients internationally in consultation with foreign associates and attorneys
• Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents
• Record court commencement, trial proceedings and judgements
• Release defendants on judges' orders
• Collect and record administrative and service fees
• Draft legal correspondence
• Explain rights and obligations to defendants
• Oversee maintenance of judicial court records
• Assist in preparing annual budgets
• Hear evidence at trials on summary conviction offences and may preside over trials of criminal offences
• Call courts of law to order, read charges and take pleas from defendants
• Act as executor, trustee or guardian in estate matters

Additional information

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Fast-paced environment
• Work under pressure
• Tight deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Large caseload
• Large workload

Personal suitability

• Accurate
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Flexibility
• Judgement
• Organized
• Client focus
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Reliability
• Team player
• Resourcefulness