Lawyer, Practice Support, Real Estate Law

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, 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 firm members.

We continuously strive to 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 aiming higher, 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 to another.

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

DESCRIPTION

The Lawyer, Practice Support assigned to the Real Estate and Banking Law department 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 for our renowned Real Estate and Lending practice groups across our offices in Canada. Working within the Real Estate and Banking Law department, the ideal candidate demonstrates initiative, strives for excellence, and is able to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels and across all provinces.

In collaboration with the Managing Partner or Managing Director of the department, the Practice Group Leaders, the Legal Talent team, and the Director, AI, Knowledge, and Practice Support, the Practice Support Lawyer captures, develops, and leverages the collective expertise of our Real Estate and Lending practice groups, which handle a wide variety of matters: transactions, advisory services, and financing operations. The role primarily involves supporting internal projects that optimize 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 in the aforementioned practice areas.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a broad role covering multiple jurisdictions, and priorities may vary from time to time. Generally, it involves some or all of the following responsibilities: Legal and Technical Support

• Monitor relevant case law and legislative and regulatory changes in the areas of Real Estate Law and Lending.
• Develop and distribute updates to inform internal teams and clients about significant 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 firm-wide innovation projects, supporting the integration of digital transformation within various 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 Real Estate and Lending practice groups.
• Business Development and Client Relations
• Collaborate with members of the Real Estate and Lending practice groups and 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 showcase the expertise of the Real Estate and Lending practice groups.
• Contribute to client seminars and innovation workshops.
• Knowledge Development and Management
• Create, maintain, and update useful precedent models, templates, and checklists for the Real Estate and Lending practice groups.
• Develop and implement best practices to ensure the sharing and accessibility of knowledge within the Real Estate and Lending practice groups.
• In collaboration with the innovation and AI teams at Gowling WLG, lead initiatives focused on the automation and modernization of precedents and workflows.
• Liaise with the practice support technology services and library services to enable the Real Estate and Lending practice groups to access a comprehensive range of relevant technologies and resources.

REQUIREMENTS

• Law degree (J.D. or LL.B.).
• Substantial experience in an international or national law firm, gained after admission to the bar.
• Expertise in Real Estate Law and Lending.
• 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 total rewards 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 health insurance coverage for physical health, dental care, and mental health, including an annual allowance for lifestyle-related expenses
• Access to employee benefits for firm members and their dependents, starting on the first day of work
• At least 15 days of vacation and flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 26 weeks of parental leave benefits (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 preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses, and more

The starting salary range for this position is between $130,000 and $180,000. The hiring salary will be determined based on the location of work.