Legal Assistant – Construction and Commercial Litigation
Law Clerk – Corporate/ Commercial Litigation
Legal Assistant – Construction and Commercial Litigation
Toronto, Ontario | Hybrid
The Firm
At Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP, we are a leading boutique law firm focused on restructuring and complex commercial litigation. Recognized for our expertise, we act as trusted advisors to clients across Toronto and beyond, delivering strategic, high-quality outcomes and building strong, lasting relationships.
We are a collaborative and high-performing firm committed to excellence and the continued development of our people. Our collegial and hands-on approach creates an environment where individuals are supported, encouraged to contribute meaningfully, and given opportunities to grow their skills.
Our team works on sophisticated, high-impact matters in a dynamic, team-oriented setting, supported by a strong foundation of mentorship and professional development. We are committed to maintaining a workplace where professionalism, respect, and accountability are reflected in how we work together and deliver for our clients.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Legal Assistant to support our Construction and Commercial Litigation practice. This role is suited to an experienced legal assistant who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and contributing to the coordination of complex litigation matters.
The position combines litigation support with practice coordination and requires a high degree of organization, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative and litigation support within the Construction and Commercial Litigation practice
- Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and support day-to-day practice operations
- Monitor and manage litigation deadlines, including scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups
- Prepare, format, and revise legal documents in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure
- Draft routine correspondence and manage client communications with professionalism and discretion
- Maintain and organize electronic files within a document management system (e.g., iManage)
- Support court filings, service requirements, and CaseLines document preparation (including uploading and hyperlinking)
- Assist with document production and file organization for complex matters
- Support billing processes, including preparing accounts, monitoring dockets, and liaising with lawyers
- Coordinate meeting preparation, including materials and follow-up
- Contribute to maintaining organized and efficient file management practices
- Work collaboratively with lawyers, law clerks, and assistants on shared tasks and larger matters
Qualifications and Experience
- Legal Assistant diploma or Legal Administration certificate from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a litigation-focused legal assistant role
- Experience in complex commercial litigation; construction litigation experience is an asset
- Working knowledge of Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure and Superior Court processes
- Experience supporting lawyers in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a collaborative team structure
Technical Skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, including document formatting (styles, tables of authorities, track changes)
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience with document management systems (e.g., iManage)
- Experience with accounting or billing systems (e.g., Soluno or similar)
- Familiarity with Ontario Court filing systems, including CaseLines
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Comfort adopting new technologies and systems
Core Competencies
- Strong organizational and file management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Professional judgment and discretion
- Clear and effective communication
- Initiative and ability to work independently
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Compensation
A competitive salary range of $60,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience, will be offered, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work model with in-office expectations
- High-performance, team-oriented culture
- Exposure to complex litigation matters
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Our Commitment
Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment process. Candidates requiring accommodation may contact Gemma Ramlal, Director, Human Resources, at gramlal@tgf.ca.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and include Legal Assistant – Construction and Commercial Litigation in the subject line to: Gemma Ramlal, Director, Human Resources at careers@tgf.ca
TGF LLP does not use artificial intelligence to review, assess, or make decisions on applications. All applications are reviewed by our Human Resources team.
This opportunity is open to both internal and external candidates and reflects the ongoing needs of the practice. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Law Clerk – Corporate - Commercial Litigation
Toronto, Ontario | Hybrid
The Firm
At Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP, we are a leading boutique law firm focused on restructuring and complex commercial litigation. Recognized for our expertise, we act as trusted advisors to clients across Toronto and beyond, delivering strategic, high-quality outcomes and building strong, lasting relationships.
We are a collaborative and high-performing firm committed to excellence and the continued development of our people. Our collegial and hands-on approach creates an environment where individuals are supported, encouraged to contribute meaningfully, and given opportunities to grow their skills.
Our team works on sophisticated, high-impact matters in a dynamic, team-oriented setting, supported by a strong foundation of mentorship and professional development. We are committed to maintaining a workplace where professionalism, respect, and accountability are reflected in how we work together and deliver for our clients.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Law Clerk to join our Litigation team, working with our lawyers and reporting to Litigation Partners, the Law Clerk provides comprehensive procedural and document management support to the Litigation team. The Law Clerk is responsible for advancing files through all stages of the litigation lifecycle, ensuring compliance with procedural rules and practice directions, managing deadlines, and supporting counsel in preparation for motions, discoveries, trials, and appeals.
The role supports commercial litigation matters of varying complexity and may also assist with insolvency, restructuring, enforcement, and related proceedings as required. The position operates with a high level of independence while maintaining close coordination with counsel and internal stakeholders.
This position requires strong technical knowledge of civil procedure and practice, exceptional organizational capability, and the ability to manage complex, document-intensive matters with a high degree of accuracy and discretion.
Key Responsibilities - Commercial Litigation
- Drafts and assembles a broad range of litigation documents, including statements of claim, statements of defence, replies, requests to admit, affidavits of documents, notices of examination, motion materials, affidavits, and enforcement documentation
- Attends examinations for discovery and cross-examinations with counsel and prepares detailed summaries and notes
- Reviews transcripts and tracks and drafts responses to undertakings and follow-up items, under advisements, and refusals in collaboration with clients and counsel
- Manages and monitors complex, high-value litigation files, including tracking competing workstreams and deadlines in accordance with applicable rules and Notices to the Profession, coordinating litigation meetings, and maintaining detailed status reports
- Prepares motion materials relating to summary judgment, noting in default, substituted service, and other contested motions
- Prepares materials for examinations, examinations in chief, cross-examinations, arbitrations, and trials, including briefs, compendiums, and evidentiary documentation
- Reviews factums and provides substantive comments; prepares citations, schedules, and books of authority, including hyperlinking and highlighting relevant case law
- Prepares appeal materials, including appeal books, exhibit books, factums, certificates, and books of authority
- Drafts bills of costs and cost outlines and prepares compendiums
- Prepares and manages enforcement materials, including garnishments, writs of seizure and sale, and judgment debtor examination materials
- Prepares Small Claims Court documentation, as required
- Monitors compliance with Notices to the Profession and ensures adherence to all procedural deadlines
- Supports enforcement proceedings, including garnishments and writs
- Prepares, manages, and tracks Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
- Liaises with counsel, opposing counsel, clients, court staff, and service providers
- Coordinates with external vendors, including process servers and e-discovery providers
Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Restructuring
- Corresponds with counsel, opposing counsel, clients, court staff, service lists, and the Commercial List Office
- Prepares Commercial List request forms, model orders, and application materials
- Drafts and maintains detailed action plans and file checklists
- Assembles application records relating to the appointment of receivers, monitors, and related relief
- Prepares complex fee affidavits and supporting exhibits for approval by the Commercial List Court
- Reviews draft notices of motion, affidavits, orders, plans of compromise and arrangement, and documentation relating to the Sale and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP), amongst other requested documentation
- Conducts and analyzes corporate profile reports, Bank Act searches, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act searches, and Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA) searches
- Prepares PPSA summaries and completes registrations and renewals relating to PPSAs
- Prepares Proof of Claim forms and relevant supporting documentation
- Reviews supporting documentation relating to Proof of Claim forms, summarizes same, and prepares relevant Excel spreadsheets for tracking purposes
- Prepares and reviews appeal materials, including appeal books, exhibit books, books of authority, compendiums, factums, and relevant certificates
- Maintains relevant case bundles within Case Centre in accordance with current Notices to the Profession
e-Discovery
- Coordinates with third-party e-discovery providers to arrange document collection from various individuals
- Reviews documentation provided by the client and coordinates with counsel and coding panel for review
- Prepares e-discovery plans
- Conducts relevant searches for counsel to narrow down search results or locate specific documents
- Prepares affidavits of documents, including the redaction of confidential information
File and Process Management
- Maintain detailed file tracking systems for active litigation matters
- Coordinate internal litigation meetings and manage action items
- Ensure procedural compliance across all stages of litigation
- Maintain electronic court filings and Case Centre materials, where applicable
Qualifications and Experience
- Law Clerk diploma or equivalent accredited legal studies credential
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in commercial litigation; experience with insolvency and Commercial List matters is strongly preferred
- Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and Commercial List practice requirements
- Experience with electronic court systems and document management platforms
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), with strong Excel skills for tracking litigation milestones
- Experience with e-discovery platforms and document management systems
Technical Skills and Core Competencies
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines concurrently
- Strong analytical, drafting, document formatting, and proofreading skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively within a litigation team
- High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive matters
- Excellent written communication and attention to detail
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Demonstrated professional judgment and discretion
- Collaborative approach to team engagement
- Experience with document management systems iManage or similar
- Experience with accounting or billing systems Soluno or similar
- Familiarity with Ontario Court filing systems, including CaseLines
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Comfort adopting new technologies and systems
Compensation
A competitive salary range of $110,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience, will be offered, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work model with in-office expectations
- High-performance, team-oriented culture
- Exposure to complex litigation matters
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Our Commitment
Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment process. Candidates requiring accommodation may contact Gemma Ramlal, Director, Human Resources, at gramlal@tgf.ca.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and include Law Clerk – Corporate - Commercial Litigation in the subject line to: Gemma Ramlal, Director, Human Resources at careers@tgf.ca
TGF LLP does not use artificial intelligence to review, assess, or make decisions on applications. All applications are reviewed by our Human Resources team.
This opportunity is open to both internal and external candidates and reflects the ongoing needs of the practice. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Lawyers
At Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP, we pride ourselves on being a leading boutique law firm focused on restructuring and complex commercial litigation matters. Renowned for our expertise, we are consistently acknowledged as leaders in our field throughout Toronto and beyond, reflecting our commitment to excellence and the strong, foundational relationships we build with our clients.
We are a dynamic and forward-thinking law firm committed to the development of exceptional lawyers. A partnership in the true meaning of the word, our firm’s ethos is evident in our supportive, collegial culture, distinguishing us in a competitive landscape.
We offer a unique environment for associates, providing them with the opportunity to work on high quality cases, gain hands-on experience, and receive comprehensive mentoring. Our firm is dedicated to facilitating the development of practical skills in business development and client service, supported by a robust support system.
We are actively seeking outstanding lawyers who share our values to join our team. Our current openings include:
- A mid to senior level insolvency and restructuring associate (3-7 years of Call)
- A mid level corporate/commercial litigation associate (3-5 years of Call)
- A mid to senior level corporate/commercial litigation associate (3-7 years of Call)
- A mid to senior level corporate/commercial litigation associatewho brings experience with complex construction and/or P3 litigation (3-7 years of Call)
Ideal candidates will possess a strong academic record, relevant experience from a comparable law firm, and demonstrate exceptional client service, the ability to work well under pressure, strong organizational skills, and outstanding communication abilities. If you are committed to excellence, leadership, and wish to realise your full potential within a vibrant firm, we invite you to apply. Please send your application to trevor@branionwilliams.com. Direct applications to the firm will be redirected accordingly.