attorney Burlington
Job description
The law firm of Cass & Bishop is seeking a lawyer with real estate experience to fill a junior associate position available due to a family medical emergency. This is a permanent position. As a lawyer in our real estate department, you will be working for one of the oldest, most respected, and busiest law firms in Halton region, functioning as part of a team that is focused on helping clients and co-workers alike. As legal advisor to clients and the administrative assistants who support you, expect an often fast-paced work environment in which time-management, organization, and communication skills will be key.
The successful candidate will be entering a positive and instructive atmosphere in which the partner lawyers as well as senior members of the staff are helping to train the new addition to the team.
A note on references: Please provide references from senior supervisors and/or instructors or indicate whether you are willing to provide references from senior supervisors and/or instructors upon request. References from senior supervisors will be a deciding factor among the top ranked candidates because maintaining a transparent, professional, and positive relationship with co-workers is vital to our organization. That is to say, the successful candidate will have a good and candid relationship with their former employer. Even if your current employer is unaware that you are considering new employment opportunities, we will need to speak to the person who directly evaluates your job performance before making an offer of employment.
Please also note that a positive attitude toward, and acceptance of, following the advice of local public health experts, regarding health and safety precautions relating to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies, including but not limited to physical distancing, masking, vaccination (if able), respiratory hygiene (e.g., handwashing, coughing/sneezing into a tissue or bend of your arm), and staying home when sick, will be required.
Reasons to apply:
- Health and safety is top priority
- Competitive salary
- Health and fitness benefits
- Incentive pay
- Work-from-home opportunities
- Up-to-date technology
- Modern office space
- Conveniently located between two highway exits
- Proximity to less expensive housing markets and greater green space
- Supportive work environment
- Culturally diverse staff (LGBTQ2S+ welcome)
- Human resource management focused on fairness and transparency
- Potential for profit share
Interviews will be conducted on Zoom.
Detailed Job Description
Real estate experience is required for this position. If you cannot perform “Daily Real Estate Tasks” on day 1 of your employment, we recommend that you list any unfamiliar tasks in the Cover Letter of your application or choose to not apply. Otherwise, we will assume all applicants can perform all “Daily Real Estate Tasks” listed without training and we will test that knowledge during the interview process.
Daily Real Estate Tasks May Include the Following
- Communicating with potential clients to identify what they require and providing a quote
- Checking for conflicts of interest before starting a new matter
- Confirming the retainer terms with client
- Obtaining a retainer fee from clients where warranted
- Verifying the identity of clients in accordance with Law Society regulations
- Checking for deadlines such as requisitions, and making sure to confirm with assistant that completed
- Responding to correspondence from clients and other parties
- Reviewing status certificate for a condo purchase
- Reviewing new home agreement, explaining terms to client and requesting any amendments
- Preparing or reviewing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale for private transactions
- Supervising assistant with carriage of file
- Explaining title insurance options to client
- Reviewing requisition letters on purchase transactions
- Reviewing the response to requisitions on sale transactions
- Ascertaining when it is necessary for a party to have independent legal advice
- Confirming client’s spousal status and making sure any required consents are obtained
- Authorizing payments from trust account
- Completing or reviewing title search, including Planning Act analysis
- Determining which, if any, off-title searches are required and confirming with client
- Determining what is required to solve title problems and implementing same
- Reviewing the Title Acknowledgement client is to sign
- Reviewing endorsements to be selected in title insurance policy
- Accepting and reviewing mortgage instructions
- Reviewing and signing the request for funds for transactions with a mortgage
- Reviewing draft mortgages to ensure in compliance with lender instructions
- Confirming Land Transfer Tax particulars (consideration, rebate eligibility, etc.)
- Reviewing and verifying terms on Statements of Adjustment
- Meeting with clients prior to closing a transaction to explain documents
- Reviewing the Prescribed Information Statement
- Reviewing closing documents received from other side on a transaction
- Reviewing documents to be signed for completeness in Teraview
- Reviewing and signing undertakings
- Reviewing undertakings received and making sure adequately cover off subject matter intended
- Reviewing insurance binder to ensure coverage is in compliance with lender instructions
- Reviewing Tarion certificate or occupancy permit on a new build property
- Negotiating with other side regarding pre-closing issues with property (eg. damage to property)
- Making sure that unfulfilled undertakings received are followed up on
- Reviewing the report to client once a transaction is complete
- Reviewing and signing report to lender
General Tasks May Include…
- Notarizing documents
- Providing independent legal advice
- Filing annual reports for Law Society and Law Pro
- Making sure that have fulfilled annual CPD requirements
- Fostering good relationships with potential referral sources like mortgage brokers and real estate agents
Wills Tasks Can Include…
- Communicating with potential clients to identify what they require and providing a quote
- Checking for conflicts of interest before starting a new matter
- Confirming the retainer terms with client
- Obtaining a retainer fee from clients where warranted
- Verifying the identity of clients in accordance with Law Society regulations
- Meeting with client to receive instructions
- Reviewing the draft will, codicil and/or powers of attorney
- Meeting with client for signing of the will, codicil and/or powers of attorney
Software or Program Required for Carrying Out Tasks Include…
- The Conveyancer
- Unity
- Teraview
- EsiLaw
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Zoom
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: $94,000.00-$114,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Commuter benefits
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Vision care
- Work from home
Flexible Language Requirement:
- French not required
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay types:
- Bonus pay
COVID-19 considerations:
We are and have been following Public Health recommendations, and beyond, since before the pandemic was officially declared. Please visit our website and click the "Covid-19 Advisory" banner to see what we are doing.
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Burlington, ON L7N3P2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Will you provide Cass & Bishop with a Certificate of Standing?
Experience:
- Real Estate Law: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- License to Practice Law in Ontario (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Burlington, ON L7N3P2
