Lawyer, Practice Support

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm based in Canada, the UK, elsewhere in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, our pride lies in our ability to recruit and retain the best talent, distinguished by their dynamism, strategic sense, and determination to deliver an exceptional experience to clients and fellow colleagues.

We intentionally create a highly performing and supportive work environment where everyone can give their best and reach their full potential. Our culture is built on our shared values: always striving for more, valuing differences, and succeeding together. These values guide how we approach teamwork, leadership, and the success of one team to another, one time zone to another, and one career path to another.

Whether you are looking to join the legal profession or the business support services, explore our career opportunities and make your mark at Gowling WLG.

DESCRIPTION

The Lawyer, Practice Support plays a key role in Gowling WLG's strategy in AI, innovation, and knowledge: this person contributes to enhancing the efficiency, technical quality, and excellence of client service in our Corporate and Commercial Law, Private Equity and Private Funds, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups (Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets). Working within the Corporate Law department, the ideal candidate consistently demonstrates initiative, strives for excellence, and is able to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

In collaboration with the Associate Director of the department, Practice Group Leaders, the Legal Talent team, and the Director, AI, Knowledge, and Practice Support, the successful candidate captures, develops, and leverages the collective expertise of our Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups. The role primarily involves supporting internal projects focused on improving client service and operational efficiency, as well as designing and managing knowledge resources, precedents, and training programs. The position is suitable for experienced lawyers with a strong interest in knowledge management, collaborative work, and innovative approaches to legal service delivery.

This position can be based in any office in Canada and requires a hybrid office presence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a high-impact role with priorities that may vary from time to time. Generally, it involves some or all of the following responsibilities: Legal and Technical Support

• Provide high-quality and timely support to lawyers in resolving complex legal or procedural questions.
• Monitor the evolution of case law as well as relevant legislative and regulatory changes.
• Develop and disseminate updates to inform internal teams and clients about important developments, new matters, and emerging trends.
• Innovation and Process Improvement
• Identify and implement modern technologies and processes that enhance efficiency and improve the delivery of legal services.
• Collaborate with the AI and innovation teams to evaluate and deploy tools that leverage automation, data, and AI capabilities.
• Contribute to cabinet-wide innovation projects, supporting the integration of digital transformation within different departments.
• Training and Learning
• Design and deliver in-depth training programs for lawyers and law students on current legal topics, precedents, and practice support tools.
• Support the Training and Development team by coordinating technical and professional training initiatives within the Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups.
• Business Development and Client Relationship Support
• Collaborate with members of the Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups, as well as the business development team, to prepare informed leadership content, client alerts, and various presentations and publications.
• Contribute to the preparation of client-facing documents, service offerings, and other strategic initiatives that highlight the expertise of the Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups.
• Contribute to the organization of client seminars and innovation workshops.
• Knowledge Development and Management
• Create, maintain, and update useful precedent models, templates, and checklists for the Corporate and Commercial Law, and Financial Services and Capital Markets Practice Groups.
• Develop and implement best practices to ensure the sharing and accessibility of knowledge within these groups.
• In collaboration with the innovation and AI teams at Gowling WLG, lead initiatives focused on the automation and modernization of precedents and workflows.
• Ensure liaison with the practice support technology services and library services to enable these groups to have access to a comprehensive range of relevant technologies and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree (J.D. or LL.B.).
• Substantial experience in an international or national law firm, gained after admission to the bar.
• Expertise in commercial and corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions (private and public), private equity and venture capital funds, and financial market operations. Strong knowledge of tax law is an asset.
• Exceptional ability to analyze and interpret complex legal concepts and communicate them clearly and concisely.
• Sharp business sense, good understanding of the business environment, and strategic mindset.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for AI, innovation, legal technology, and continuous improvement.
• Strong legal writing skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent legal research skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as presentation skills.
• Proven ability to develop and manage knowledge management resources and solutions.
• Solid experience in designing and implementing training programs.
• Proactive mindset and ability to manage one's own workload, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit, as well as the ability to quickly gain the trust of legal professionals at all levels and exert influence without direct hierarchical authority.

BENEFITS

Gowling WLG's comprehensive compensation program fosters a culture where high performance and well-being go hand in hand. Here are the benefits we offer to support you on both the professional and personal levels:

• 100% employer-paid dental and health care (physical and mental) coverage for employees, including an annual allowance for lifestyle expenses
• Benefits accessible to firm members and their dependents, starting on the first day of work
• At least fifteen days of vacation and a flexible hybrid work model
• Extended parental leave for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Collective REER with employer matching contributions
• Financial protection through short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, and serious illness insurance
• Employee and family support program, guided cognitive-behavioral therapy, and an internal network of over 120 mental health first-aiders
• Recognition awards and events, and a collaborative and supportive work culture
• Indirect benefits and a 10% bonus program