Senior Manager, Corporate Services

Who We Are

Fasken is a leading international business law and litigation firm, and was recently voted one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2023.

Our firm’s 950 lawyers are located across offices in Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City, London and Johannesburg And an office in the professional and retail district known as Taza ( / Ta-Zah / ) on Tsuut’ina lands.

Providing strategic and thoughtful advice in all areas of business law, our broad range of clients include close to half of the Fortune 100 companies, as well as corporate clients, government agencies, regulatory authorities, non-profit bodies and individuals.

Our clients interests are paramount in all that we do and we take pride in supporting our communities. We are a place where bright, talented, and collegial people want to work together and we work hard together to achieve our goals in a collaborative and efficient way.

Your Role

Reporting to the Senior Director, Paraprofessional & E-Discovery Services (Ontario), the Senior Manager, Corporate Services is responsible for leading Corporate Services operations, including providing leadership and direction to the Transactional and Corporate Governance and Compliance law clerks, Corporate Search Services team and the Special Projects coordinators.

The Senior Manager will act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and escalation point for the Corporate Services team, including supporting Partners, Associates, and clients with unique inquiries and escalations.

The Senior Manager will work collaboratively with the Senior Director, Paraprofessionals & E-Discovery Services to ensure the Corporate Services team is functioning at the highest level providing quality, cost-effective and efficient services to Fasken and it’s clients.

The Senior Manager will play a critical role in client and matter management and the delivery of strategic initiatives for the Business Law practice and Corporate Services department.

The Senior Manger will work closely with Fasken Innovation and Practice Support and Knowledge Management teams to support critical software, digitization and precedent projects.

The Senior Manager will also assist in the development and implementation of processes that will benefit and advance Fasken’s overall Business Law development strategy.

At Fasken, success means :

• Having a strong client service approach you’re ready, willing, and able to put our clients first and exceed their expectations
• Caring about one another you possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build harmonious working relationships within your immediate team, across other departments in the firm, and the community
• Working collaboratively you are a self starter who values working in a collaborative team based environment
• Possessing exceptional communication skills (both verbal and written) when dealing with lawyers, clients, staff and third parties
• Approaching your work with agility and the willingness to learn and utilize new technology
• Being adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while being organized and maintaining accuracy with a high attention to detail
• Demonstrating strong research, investigative and problem solving skills with the ability to exercise judgement to resolve issues
• Treating sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and diplomacy at all times

Primary Responsibilities :

Paraprofessional Leadership

• Leads recruitment efforts and participates in new hire orientations
• Provides guidance, motivation and direction; solicits and gathers regular feedback regarding performance
• Prepares performance reviews (probationary and annual), and addresses performance issues as they arise
• Works with the Senior Director, Paraprofessional & E-Discovery Services in cases where disciplinary action is required
• Leads regular team meetings
• Approves overtime and vacation

Workload Allocation

• Oversees work allocation in the Corporate Services department among law clerks, coordinators, and searcher clerks
• Proactively identifies upcoming client events (i.e. closings) where law clerk and coordinator support may be required

Strategic Initiatives

Processes reengineering projects including but not limited to technology, practice specific application rollouts and management (i.

e. Minute book digitization, MinuteBox implementation, implementation of flat fees etc.)

• Leads key client strategic initiatives
• Monitors legislative changes and mitigate impacts within Corporate Services to ensure compliance with federal and provincial Business Law guidelines

General

• Assesses department practices and processes to improve efficiencies and seek continuous improvement
• Works closely with other legal business professionals to ensure appropriate administrative assistant support is provided and to address any assistant concerns raised by Corporate Services team members

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Law clerk diploma or equivalent
• A member in good standing with the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario
• A member in good standing with the IPMA
• 10+ years of paraprofessional experience with a focus on Corporate Services
• Previous supervisory or managerial experience required
• Understanding of large law firm operations
• Proficiency with technology such as Closing Folders, online Ministry portals, document management (iManage an asset), and data rooms
• Knowledge of cloud-based corporate databases (ex. MinuteBox) is an asset
• Extensive knowledge of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and the Canada Business Corporations Act

Why Work With Us

Fasken is dedicated to rewarding your contributions and encouraging your professional development. We offer a comprehensive salary and benefits package that is very competitive, together with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our benefits include :

• A health and wellness subsidy
• An annual education & tuition reimbursement
• Flexible medical and dental benefits (effective from day 1)
• Short term and long term disability insurance
• Personal days
• Employee & family assistance program
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Group retirement savings plan with matching contributions
• Monetary incentive for employee referrals
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities to give back to your community through firm initiatives
• An engaging firm culture that celebrates our hardworking and dedicated people

Diversity and Inclusion

At Fasken we believe a diverse workplace comprises individuals with unique backgrounds, characteristics and qualities. An inclusive workplace creates an equitable environment where individuals are respected and where they are welcome.

Fasken is committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

Accessibility and Accommodation

It is important to our Firm that all its members, including those with disabilities, find our workplace to be welcoming and supportive.

Reasonable accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Any offer of employment may be conditional upon references and full background checks including a criminal record check, a credit check, employment and educational verifications.