Executive Assistant Legal
Resume:
Tina JOHNSTON
Ajax, Ontario L1T 0L8
****.***@*****.***
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
20+ years of administrative assistant experience.
Very detailed, organized and resourceful.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while paying attention to detail.
Work well under pressure with minimal supervision; self-starter.
Able to maintain a cheerful demeanour in all situations. Good sense of humour.
Excellent communication skills. Aware of need for confidentiality.
Strong work ethic. Prepared to stay until the job is done.
Work well as part of a team and independently.
Highly dependable and punctual.
Performs advanced, diversified and confidential secretarial and administrative duties, applying specialized knowledge of legal procedures.
Excellent knowledge of litigation rules, forms and procedures.
Assisting in hiring and training of staff members.
Maintaining a positive attitude and good rapport with co-workers and clients.
Pleasant telephone manner.
Maintained a high level of confidentiality.
Deal with customers’ inquiries patiently.
Respond to requests in a timely manner.
“Go To” person for associates, clerks and assistants in department with general and file specific inquiries.
Microsoft Office
Excellent dicta typing and proofreading skills 60 + wpm
CMS, Law Pro, Lighthouse, PC Law, Time Matters, ACL, Imanage, Primafact. Diligent
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
September 2024 – Present CT REIT
Executive Legal Assistant
Providing administrative support to four or more lawyers (including managing calendars).
Reviewing, verifying, and routine correspondence, drafting letters and documents, preparing redline documents, inputting amendments to documents, organizing client meetings, preparing expense and benefit claims reports.
Co-ordinate time, trips, meetings, and material to ensure that the team operates efficiently and effectively.
Gather information/research assignments as they are assigned.
Assisting in the preparation of real estate and corporate documentation.
Supporting the Corporate Secretary in the following ways:
ocoordinating trustee calendars;
opreparing meeting agendas;
opreparing run-of play including coordinating meals for Committee and Board meetings;
opreparing, editing, reviewing, and coordinating materials/ presentations for the Board and its Committees;
obeing accountable for managing multiple Board books in Diligent as well as providing support for Diligent Messenger;
oassisting with organizing trustee education sessions and outings; and
oassisting in the coordination of the annual general meeting.
Filing of public company documents (SEDAR, SEDI, TSX).
overseeing the department’s legal document management system (including opening files/matters on an ongoing basis);
Assisting in transaction closings including coordination of documentation, execution of documentation, filings etc.
Managing property database (including lease database) and precedent system.
Managing legal invoicing and tracking.
Preparing and attending to execution of documents.
Facilitating the meeting of deadlines by keeping multiple agendas and provide timely reminders.
Interacting with external counsel (quarterly WIP, invoicing, execution of documentation, minute book matters, etc.).
Assisting with internal organizing and filing of supporting materials for ESG reporting.
Special projects as assigned.
January 2021 – October 2021 AMR LLP
Legal Assistant
Insurance Defence Litigation (AB/Tort/Priority Dispute and Loss Transfer)
Communicate effectively with clients, adjusters, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
Assist in the drafting of pleadings, affidavits, and court documents.
Handle correspondence under the direction of the assigned lawyer.
Schedule discoveries, mediations, pre-trials, and settlement conferences.
Maintain the lawyer's calendar and file list.
Liaise with the Accident Benefit’s Department.
Ensure court filings are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Handle the service of originating processes.
Requisition cheques for payment of various invoices.
February 2019 – November 2020 Bell Temple LLP
Legal Assistant to Partner/ Some Law Clerk duties (including assembling LAT CC Briefs and Arbitration Briefs, briefing AB files)
Insurance Defence Litigation (AB/Tort/Priority Dispute and Loss Transfer)
Collaborating seamlessly with team members to provide comprehensive support in triaging and managing requests. Displaying swift responsiveness to inquiries, consistently meeting deadlines, and fostering harmonious cooperation across various departments and individuals within the Firm.
Effectively managing workflow fluctuations with minimal supervision. Overseeing the Intake process, prioritizing and coordinating work for timely completion.
Answering process related questions and helping troubleshoot timekeeper issues related to areas of expertise and responsibility.
Liaising with and directing requests to other Firm support resources as necessary to ensure efficient and appropriate utilization of resources.
Maintaining accurate updates in the workflow system to track and monitor requests. Providing reliable backup support in the Resource Centre.
Continuously enhancing job knowledge and technical skills through active team participation. Proactively sharing knowledge, information, and mentorship with stakeholders and team members to foster a positive and collaborative environment.
Performing quality control of own work, seeking clarification when necessary, and reviewing work of others.
Providing support to lawyers in specific practice groups as required in order to maintain the Firm’s legal support services ensuring continuous legal operations and client satisfaction.
Other duties as assigned.
March 2017 – August 2018 AMR LLP
Legal Assistant to Partner
Insurance Defence Litigation (Complex Files)
June 2016 - March 2017 TD Insurance Staff Legal
Legal Office Supervisor
September 2008 – May 2015 Bell Temple
Legal Assistant to Partner/ Some Law Clerk duties
Insurance Defence Litigation (AB/Tort/Priority Dispute and Loss Transfer)
2006 - 2008 Reisler Franklin LLP
Legal Administrative Assistant
Insurance Defence, Civil Litigation
2004-2006 Honda Canada Inc.
Product Liability Department
Legal Administrative Assistant
EDUCATION
2016 Professional Operations Management Certificate
2002 Toronto Business College
Legal Administrative Assistant Honours Diploma
1998 St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Ontario Secondary School Honours Diploma
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