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Legal Associate Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

Gordon Food Service

Legal Counsel

Milton, ON · Hybrid

General provision of legal advice to business and operational employees of company and specialty companies including but not limited to: * Employment Law: Management of sensitive legal issues such as ...

HealthCaringKW

Human Resource Associate

Kitchener, ON · On-site

Human Resource Associate Salary: $52,931.21 $63,772.45 per annum Permanent, Full Time FTE 1.0 37.5 ... policies and legal requirements. * Perform accurate data entry and maintenance of employee ...

HealthCaringKW

Human Resource Associate

Kitchener, ON · On-site

CA$52K/yr

Human Resource Associate Salary: $52,931.21 - $63,772.45 per annum Permanent, Full Time FTE 1.0 37 ... policies and legal requirements. * Perform accurate data entry and maintenance of employee ...

Walmart

Asset Protection Associate

Kitchener, ON · On-site

CA$19.35/hr

The Asset Protection Associate plays a key role in creating and maintaining a safe, secure, and ... legal standards. Communication and Reporting Gathers and communicates information from multiple ...

Walmart

Asset Protection Associate

Kitchener, ON · On-site

CA$19.35/hr

The Asset Protection Associate plays a key role in creating and maintaining a safe, secure, and ... legal standards. Communication and Reporting Gathers and communicates information from multiple ...

Waystone

Associate - Fund Governance

Waterloo, ON

... legal work. Summary: An Associate at Waystone is an integral part of the team, working closely with the Managing Directors, Executive Directors, Directors, Associate Directors and other employees to ...

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Waterloo, ON

Legal Associate information

See Waterloo, ON salary details

$22.4K

$57.2K

$99.3K

How much do legal associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal associate in Waterloo, ON is $57,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,557.00 and $79,250.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legal associate?

Legal Associates are early-career lawyers who support more senior attorneys in a law firm or legal department. They conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision. Legal Associates are typically recent law school graduates who have passed the bar exam, and their role is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing them to develop their legal skills. Over time, Legal Associates may work toward becoming partners or taking on more senior legal positions within their organization.

Are legal associates in demand?

Legal associates are in demand due to ongoing legal needs across various industries, including corporate, criminal, and civil law. The role often requires strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and employment prospects are generally favorable for those with a law degree and relevant experience.

What are some typical challenges legal associates face during their first year at a law firm?

Legal Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of work under tight deadlines, adapting to the expectations of different partners, and learning to balance administrative tasks with substantive legal research and drafting. Navigating firm culture and building relationships with senior attorneys and clients can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help associates develop strong time management, communication, and legal analysis skills crucial for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legal associate?

To thrive as a Legal Associate, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), strong research and analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal analysis, high-quality client service, and successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.

What is the difference between Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization, support tasks

Legal Associates typically hold a JD and are licensed to practice law, performing more advanced legal tasks. Paralegals assist attorneys with research and administrative duties but do not require a law degree or license. Both roles work in similar environments, but Legal Associates have a broader scope of responsibilities and legal authority.

More about Legal Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Waterloo, ON? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Waterloo, ON are:
What cities near Waterloo, ON are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities near Waterloo, ON with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,206 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Legal Counsel

Gordon Food Service

Milton, ON • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Gordon Food Service rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

185th of 361 rated logistics

Job description

Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and wehave an amazing story to share. Here's a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...

Welcome to Gordon Food Service!

We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. Here's a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry.

There's a seat at our table for you...

This role is based in Milton, Ontario as a part of the growing legal team in Canada.

What We Offer:

  • The salary range for this position is $145,000 to $165,000 plus 20% bonus potential

  • Hybrid work

  • Travel across Canada and occasionally in US

  • Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and EAP Benefits after 30 days of employment

  • FULL flex benefits program

  • Company matching RRSP

  • Profit Sharing

  • 125-year, family-owned and operated company history

  • Family culture and advancement opportunities

What you would do:

  • General provision of legal advice to business and operational employees of company and specialty companies including but not limited to:

    • Employment Law: Management of sensitive legal issues such as employee termination negotiations and related litigation, human rights complaints, integrity hotline complaints, investigations, ensuring consistency in template documents, advising on employment equity compliance, assist with immigration and work permit applications, work with Compliance and HR in policy development and respective processes

    • Commercial Law: Contract negotiation, drafting, review; recommending solutions and mitigating risk

    • Corporate Law: Support on business acquisition and merger activities, including due diligence, negotiation, and documentation

    • Real Estate Law: Lease review, landlord disputes, purchase and sale of real property, lease negotiations, contractor management, etc.

    • Litigation: Assist in the management of litigation through collaboration with external counsel and business personnel

    • IP Law: Non-disclosure agreements; licensing agreements; consultation on IP, IT, CASL

    • Regulatory: Research new regulations affecting the business in all areas; conveying them to the business through development of compliance training.

  • Collaborate with other members of the Legal Team to support the Canadian Business and the broader organization where appropriate.

  • Assist with project work and strategic efforts, including the advancement of contract lifecycle management technology.

  • Performs other duties as assigned

    Does this sound like you?

    • Minimum 4 years of post-call legal experience in a corporate legal environment or Top-tier law firm with some exposure to several of the substantive areas listed; preference for in-house lawyer (Fortune 500 or comparably sized food industry company is a plus).

    • In lieu of the specified experience requirements, a proven capability to perform the essential functions of the job, as demonstrated by an equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant work experience may be considered.

    • Legal and Business Acumen:

    • A pragmatic, business-oriented approach to problem-solving with a demonstrated ability to balance legal risks with business objectives

    • Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, actionable advice for a non-legal audience

    • Presentation skills that can reach audiences of operational employees through senior executive level employees

    • Excellent time and case management skills; exceptional responsiveness and the ability to shift quickly between substantive areas of law in a fast paced environment

    • Self starting and independent work style, without need for frequent points of contact/supervision throughout the day

    • Good judgment, triage capability, and ability to spot issues; strong workload management skills with the ability to work independently or collaborate, conduct research and assess risk, and escalate matters when appropriate

    • Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, strategies or when defending/conveying a point

    • High level of integrity exercised internally and in representing GFS to outside parties

    • English fluency required, additional French fluency strongly preferred.

      We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Gordon Food Service is an equal opportunity employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to any enumerated or analogous grounds of discrimination, including race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified individual with disability.
      If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talentcanada@gfs.com and use the words "Accommodation Request" in your subject line.

      What Gordon Food Service employees say

      Pay

      Benefits

      Hours and flexibility

      Workplace

      Get the full story on Breakroom

      Gordon Food Service logo

      About Gordon Food Service

      Sourced by ZipRecruiter

      Since our 1897 founding, Gordon Food Service has grown to become the largest family-managed broadline foodservice distribution company in North America. While we've been growing pretty much continuously over these 125 years, we've remained consistent at the core of what and who we are: passionately committed to customers and employees. Being part of Gordon Food Service means being part of something important, something bigger than oneself.We take care of you as if you were part of our family by providing benefits that give choice and flexibility for what matters most to you. We aim to deliver a competitive package that not only supports you but also your family. Full-time employees are provided benefit options to support work-life and your need to take care of yourself and those close to you, including paid time off, 401k with company match, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement for you and the whole family, and more!We feel the culture when we work together, and when we serve together. As a team, we tackle our challenges, celebrate our successes, and have fun on the journey. Be part of it.

      Industry

      Food and beverage wholesalers

      Company size

      10,000+ Employees

      Headquarters location

      Wyoming, MI, US

      Year founded

      1897

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