Law Clerk - Aboriginal

Who We Are:

Aird & Berlis LLP is a prominent Canadian business law firm located in the heart of Toronto’s and Vancouver’s financial districts. With over 250 lawyers, business advisors and patent agents, we serve clients across Canada and globally.

What We Believe In:

The firm is committed to ensuring that all members of the Aird & Berlis LLP community feel valued, respected and supported. We are a dedicated group of diverse individuals who care about each other, the work we produce and the client service we provide. We go to great lengths to foster a professional, supportive environment for all firm members so you can focus on the important things: client service, your career and your life.

What We Are Looking For:

Aird & Berlis LLP is looking for a Law Clerk to work our Indigenous Practice Group with a primary focus on Aboriginal and Indigenous Law. The successful candidate should have knowledge of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and knowledge of procedures related to Regulatory Bodies, the Alberta Courts, the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. Prior experience in Litigation and knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Law is considered an asset. If you have high energy and strong technical skills, and are a problem solver, skilled at managing shifting priorities, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this role would be a good fit for you.

Responsibilities:

• Independently support a team of legal professionals who represent Indigenous clients with a primary practice focus in Aboriginal law—including Indigenous rights litigation, the negotiation and implementation of modern day treaties, self-government, and economic development—as well as Environmental, Regulatory, Administrative, and Constitutional Law;
• For litigation and regulatory/administrative law files:
• Prepare and file various litigation documents for all court levels across Canada (e.g., Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Federal Courts, and Supreme Court of Canada), including but not limited to motion records, pleadings, notices, affidavits, affidavits of documents, and bills of costs;
• Prepare and file documents for Regulatory Boards and Tribunals across Canada;
• Manage eDiscovery processes, including document collection, first-pass review and document production;
• Review and summarize transcripts and complete undertaking, under advisements and refusal charts and assist with collection of answers;
• Assist with the preparation of expert reports, including formatting, proofing, and document collection and management;
• For negotiation, self-government, and economic development files:
• Assist with extensive record keeping and file and document organization;
• Review and assist in revising agreements (e.g., Impact Benefit Agreement, Community Benefit Agreement, Participation Agreements);
• Conduct legal and policy research and other related research;
• Prepare background memoranda outlining the development of legal files, and draft case briefs highlighting key legal issues;
• Monitor environmental assessment processes, and track file deadlines and deliverables;
• Prepare initial drafts of correspondence;
• Communicate professionally with all internal and external clients, court staff and lawyers’ offices;
• Produce the highest quality of work;
• Be accountable for all work assigned;
• Take initiative;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Produce the highest quality of work
• Accountable for all work assigned
• Take initiative
• Confidential

Requirements:

• Minimum of three years’ previous experience as Litigation Law Clerk;
• Successful completion of a related post-secondary Law Clerk program;
• Knowledge of Aboriginal law would be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of procedures related to Regulatory Bodies; Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories courts; the Federal Court of Canada; and Supreme Court of Canada;
• Knowledge of and experience with project management particularly in the regulatory project / duty to consult sphere (e.g., deadline tracking, submission finalization, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and willingness to learn the Rules in other jurisdictions;
• Familiarity with the Impact Assessment Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Mining Act, etc. is a plus;
• Handle time pressure situations and stress of multiple demands;
• A member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario or working towards it;

Skills:

• Microsoft 365 suite of applications
• ACL would be an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to problem solve
• Good judgement and decision making
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Detailed

Why You Should Apply:

• Opportunities for growth and on the job training and development
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• We pride ourselves on being a mid-sized firm with a family feel
• Active involvement in our community with opportunities to volunteer
• Mentor program
• Wellness programs

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon a criminal background check. 

We will review applications as they are received and all applications will be kept on file. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Aird & Berlis LLP is committed to providing equal access to employment. If you require accommodation, please contact ckelly@airdberlis.com and we will work with you to provide accessibility support.