Employment Associate Lawyer in Ottawa

Meridia Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a well-established, full-service law firm in downtown Ottawa to recruit an Employment Associate Lawyer to join their growing team. This opportunity is ideal for a motivated legal professional who is passionate about employment law and thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. This role is primarily focused on providing advice and strategic support to clients across a wide range of employment matters, while working closely with senior counsel on litigation files as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise and support clients across various industries on a wide range of employment law matters, including employment standards, human rights, and occupational health and safety issues.
• Draft and review employment agreements, workplace policies, and related documentation.
• Provide guidance to clients on employee entitlements, including matters related to termination of employment.
• Support employment litigation matters in collaboration with senior counsel, including preparation for proceedings before courts, arbitration boards, labour boards, and tribunals.
• Work collaboratively with the firm’s corporate team on employment-related issues arising within transactions.
• Maintain strong client relationships through responsive, practical, and business‑focused legal advice.
• Manage files independently while maintaining high standards of accuracy, organization, and client service.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
• 5–7 years of post‑call experience practicing employment law in a law firm or in‑house environment.
• Strong experience advising employers on workplace matters and employment‑related risks.
• Experience with employment‑related disputes, including wrongful dismissal, human rights, employment standards, and restrictive covenant matters.

KEY SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong knowledge of employment law frameworks and best practices.
• Excellent drafting and advisory skills, particularly in employment agreements and workplace policies.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong client service orientation with the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management systems, including document management and billing platforms.

This is a current vacancy; salary range is $125,000 – $165,000.