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Labour & Employment Law Blog

What is a “contract”?

Zeilikman Law

Zeilikman Law

Case Summary

What is a contract? A contract is a promise made from one party to another to do something or to refrain from doing something in the future. A contract is formed when an offer is accepted and something of value is exchanged.

The law of contracts is complex and nuanced. However, one thing is clear: holding people to their promises is fundamental to a civilized and well-structured society. Consider a world where people would make preparations, spend substantial sums of money and commit themselves to a certain outcome only to be told by the party making the promise that it would no longer be fulfilling its end of the bargain. It is quite evident that such a society would collapse quickly into an unproductive and disorganized state.

Contrary to general public perception, while certain contracts have to be formed in writing, a contract can be formed either by way of an oral agreement or even by the implicit conduct of the parties involved. Generally speaking, only those parties whom the law regards as part of the agreement can demand its enforcement and insist on its terms. This exclusive right to the enforceability of contract terms is called “the privity of contract” doctrine. However, in certain circumstances, our law recognizes that exceptions are allowed.

It is impossible to describe the universe of contract law in a few paragraphs; however, one thing is clear: it is often the case that where contractual disputes arise there is always more than one side to the story.

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.

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.