Legal Assistant- Legal Office, LRS

Job Description

The CAMH Legal Office is currently seeking a full-time, permanent Legal Assistant who will support the Clinical Legal Services team and report to the Director, Clinical Legal Services.

Clinical Legal Services provides legal advice and litigation services to CAMH clinical teams and administrators regarding all aspect of mental health law.  The lawyers supported by the legal assistant represent CAMH and its clinicians in a variety of legal proceedings, including before the Consent and Capacity Board, the Ontario Review Board, various regulatory health Colleges and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.  Their diverse litigation practice also involves appellate advocacy, including at the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. 

The successful candidate will proactively and independently manage a dynamic practice for multiple legal professionals, providing them with a high level of support in order to enhance legal practice efficiency.  Along with superior multi-tasking, administrative and communications skills, the successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and provide excellent client service. Experience in health law is preferred. 

The Legal Assistant will work closely with the Director of Legal Services (Clinical), lawyers and other staff on the Clinical Legal Services team, other hospital administrative staff, physicians, allied health staff, clinical leadership and personnel across a wide range of other hospital departments. 

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Provide general administrative support to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the Clinical Legal Services team. 

• Provide routine assistance and information as required to internal clients and various external stakeholders as a primary point of contact for the Clinical Legal Services team.

• Support legal counsel with calendar management, including organizing appointments and meetings, room bookings and technology set-up, coordinating attendees, and keeping legal counsel apprised of issues requiring attention

• Triage requests for legal advice and hearing support

• Support the litigation practice of the Clinical Legal Services team by receiving and distributing documents for hearings, formatting litigation documents, updating hearing schedules on a daily basis, serving and filing materials with courts and tribunals, and drafting routine legal correspondence.

• Organize legal files, maintain document storage systems, and track and report litigation and clinical legal advice metrics

• Support the delivery of clinical legal advice across the organization using CAMH’s electronic health record system and shared databases to locate relevant information and resources

• Support the Clinical Legal Director and/or Clinical Legal Counsel in their participation and/or stewardship of committees and working groups

• Liaise with hospital leadership, physicians, clinical staff, other administrative staff, members of the broader CAMH Legal Services team, and external stakeholders  

• Onboard and orient new clinical legal staff and law students, including supporting the administrative, human resources, payroll, training and technical needs of team members

• Work collaboratively with team members in the development of resources, training manuals, guidelines and presentations to support efficient operations

• Perform other duties as required to achieve the objectives of the Clinical Legal Services team, including assistance with coverage of other administrative functions, support of special projects, and delegated tasks as required
   

Qualifications

• You have completed post-secondary education. A Law Clerk certification is preferred 

• A minimum of 3+ years’ experience as a Law Clerk, Legal Assistant, or Administrative Assistant. You will need to understand, draft, format and review basic legal documents, have knowledge of law firm processes such as Know Your Client rules, retainer letters and billing 

• Your legal work experience should mainly be in supporting a litigation practice. Experience working in civil or criminal practice is preferred and experience in a health law context is an asset. 

• You are an organized, multi-tasking, self-starter who is responsive, tech savvy and exercises good judgement about how to receive and escalate complex, sensitive and urgent issues

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. You must enjoy working independently and with minimal direct supervision while also functioning efficiently and effectively contributing as a member of a dynamic legal team

• You have attention to detail, appropriate business etiquette and good judgment in handling matters of a confidential nature

• You are customer service oriented and have highly developed interpersonal, and communication (verbal and written) skills, sound analytical and problem-solving skills

• You demonstrate sound judgment, tact, diplomacy and the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures

• Excellent organization skills with attention to detail and accuracy, particularly while multi-tasking in high-pressure situations, is required. 

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, learn new technology and protocols quickly

• You understand the importance of confidentiality and privacy in a healthcare setting and think critically about how these principles apply to all facets of your work 

• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage complex and shifting priorities is essential. 

• Advanced proficiency in the use of computer software applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and teleconferencing systems (Zoom, Teams, Webex) is required. Experience with digital platforms and clinical record keeping systems is an asset. You should have the ability to learn new computer software systems. 

• You will have the ability to work with clients, staff and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Bilingualism (French/English) and /or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work on a team that includes legal support staff and law students. 

CAMH’s Legal Services team supports a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable standards and requirements. This position is located at the CAMH Queen Street site, Unit 3, Toronto, ON. On-site presence is required at a minimum of 3 days per week, with additional on-site presence required to accommodate hearing schedules.

For a dynamic legal career at a leading health care institution, please apply in writing, outlining your interest and qualifications. 

Please Note:             This full-time, permanent position is NOT part of any Bargaining Unit. 

If you are interested in this position, please ensure that you apply before 5pm EST of the closing date. If your application is received past 5pm EST of the closing date, your application will not be accepted.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hiring Salary Range: $54,428.08 – $68,035.11 per year (based on qualifications and experience)
• Full Salary Range: $54,428.08 – $81,642.13 per year (reflecting potential growth within the role)
• CAMH Benefits Package: Includes extended health and dental coverage, HOOPP defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development opportunities.

This role offers job stability, career development, and the chance to contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives that improve patient and community well-being.

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.

CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.

CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.