fbpx

We’re hiring! View job posting for Legal Receptionist.

Zeilikman Law
Contact Us

Labour & Employment Law Blog

New Changes to Parental Leave Mean New Changes to Employment Law

Jennifer Zeilikman

Jennifer Zeilikman

New Changes to Parental Leave Mean New Changes to Employment Law

With a new Federal Budget announced in March, Liberals included with it a new benefit to encourage men, and other non-birthing parents, to take paid parental leave.  The Employment Insurance Parental Sharing Benefit will allow non-birthing parents to take up to eight weeks off work under a “use-it-or-lose-it” program.

The Canadian government already allows federally-regulated workers (those who work in banks, telecommunications, transportation and the public service sector) the option to spread parental benefits over an 18-month period, in which a father (or non-birthing parent) can collect shared EI benefits when taking at least 5 weeks off work.  While these changes are not yet enforceable on a provincial level, and this benefit is not yet available to all workers, Ontario has committed to amending its employment laws to match federal policy.

With changes to the parental leave coming soon to Ontario workplaces, a father (or adoptive or same-sex parent) will be able to take up to 8 weeks off work to help care for a new child.  Workers who opt to take a parental leave, will need to be accommodated by their employers.  Employers will also need to provide job protection to employees on parental leave.

Eligible parents, who decide to take a maternity or parental leave, will have the right to return to the same job (same responsibilities, title and remuneration), regardless of gender.  If a worker on leave returns and the job is no longer available (i.e., it was eliminated due to corporate restructuring) the employer must offer the worker a comparable position (again with comparable responsibilities, title and remuneration).  Employers will need to take an active approach and review and amend their policies on maternity and parental leave to account for the potentiality of change.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

Request a Consultation

Call 905-417-2227
Submit a request online
Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin
Contact Us

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.