Corporate Services Manager

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm's Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm's core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

The Corporate Services Manager ("CSM") is a key member of the Toronto Business Law group, who will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Corporate Services Department which includes providing leadership, management and direction to the law clerks, legal administrative assistants and records co-ordinator. The CSM will lead or support key corporate services projects.

The CSM continues to play a role in client and matter management, and act like a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and escalation point for the team including supporting partners, associates and clients with unique inquiries and escalations. The client component will comprise about 50% of the overall portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides high level operational, strategic and administrative support for the Corporate Services Department.
• Manages work allocation and workflow between the corporate law clerks, legal administrative assistants and a records management clerk.
• Responsible for talent management of the Corporate Services Department which includes learning and development, performance, team engagement, on-boarding and recruitment for the team.
• Coaches and mentors the corporate law clerks and legal administrative assistants in day to day client work.
• Leads teams to support key national, provincial and/or Toronto focused projects including but not limited to process standardization and transformation, digitization of the practice group, practice specific system support and roll out, etc.
• Responsible for creating, maintaining and delivering reports that provide insights into performance, trends, and challenges of various aspects of the department operations and projects.
• Works with other national and other Gowling members to implement legislative changes within the corporate services department to ensure compliance with federal and provincial business law guidelines.
• Maintains a client workload with a reduced annual billable hours target.
• Attends meetings with professionals and/or clients to take instructions, obtain required information, review corporate records, compile information, report on status and may recommend course of action.
• Assists with and supports closings, transactions and the management of key projects.
• Assists with the preparation of all documentation within the scope of the Corporate Services Department.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Eight (8) years experience in a Corporate Services Department, including three (3) years experience supervising and leading people.
• Extensive experience with Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and Canadian Business Corporation Act
• Law Clerk Diploma and a member in good standing with ILCO.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the Corporate Services Department, business law department leaders and other firm members, with the aptitude and business acumen to understand, appreciate and to take care of clients' needs in a professional and courteous manner.
• Solid track record of building relationships, gaining deep industry knowledge and providing proactive and responsive solutions to business needs.
• Must possess strong people management skills along with the proven ability to motivate others, work collaboratively, coach, counsel, train, and develop individuals.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Experience working closely with internal clients on complex/sensitive issues and demonstrates discretion and ability to handle confidential and private information appropriately
• Produce a high quality and quantity of work product, occasionally under tight timelines.
• Able to prioritize and to redefine priorities when necessary.
• Strong work ethic, with the ability to take initiative and handle stress in a business-like manner.
• Familiarity with corporate services technology such as Athennian, eCore, iManage or similar programs.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.