2026 / 27 Articling Student - Criminal (Senior Counsel) (Toronto)

Legal Aid Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario is offering a 10-month articling position for students interested in public interest law and social justice. This role provides opportunities to engage in meaningful legal work while supporting vulnerable populations in accessing justice. Join a dedicated team committed to innovation and inclusion.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and wellness program

Public Service Pension Plan enrollment

100% coverage of Law Society licensing fees

5-day training program across Ontario

Qualifications

• Eligible to undertake articles of clerkship in Ontario.
• Commitment to social justice or public interest work is essential.

Responsibilities

• Involvement in advocacy and litigation, including client interviews and court appearances.
• Assist Senior Counsel with trials and legal research.

Skills

Demonstrated commitment to social justice

Excellent writing skills

Oral communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Sound judgment

Awareness of access to justice issues

Education

Law degree from a recognized university

Job description

Union : The Society Job Number : J0625-0508 Job Title : 2026 / 27 Articling Student - Criminal (Senior Counsel) (Toronto) Job Type : Articling Student Contract Duration (months) : 10 months City, Province, Country : Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Location : Toronto Job Category : Legal Job Classification : AS Role Designation : LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace. Open Positions : 1 Posting Date : June 13, 2025 Closing Date : June 27, 2025 Salary : $72,149.57 / Year

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Primary function

Are you interested in working in the fields of social justice or public interest and making a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (“LAO”) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.

LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers – a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.

Home location : Toronto

Secondary / tertiary locations : Not Applicable

Compensation : $72,149.57 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.

Area of Search : Students eligible to article in 2026-27

Assignment : 10 month contract, start date will be in July 2026

Reporting to : Manager, Legal Services

Senior Counsel Program :

The Senior Counsel Program provides an additional option for service, separate from duty counsel or certificate services. It complements the work of Ontario’s private bar by filling identified service gaps. Our lawyers serve clients for the entire life of their case, from bail up to and including full trial representation. Senior Counsel also create and facilitate mentorship and training opportunities for staff lawyers, students and private counsel to cultivate professional judgment and skill, further enhancing access to justice. Any client who meets the eligibility requirements may benefit from Senior Counsel representation.

Key accountabilities

As an articling student, you will be involved in matters that may include :

• Advocacy and Litigation
• Note, cases can be referred to Senior Counsel at various stages and carried through until completion.
• Client services may include legal and other research, drafting, case preparation, memo writing, client contact, interviews and gathering of facts, court appearances whether remote or in-person, organization of a client file matter, negotiation and advice; all necessary assistance to Senior Counsel for trials, complex pleas and sentencing, fitness, NCR and ORB hearings, special bails and bail reviews, appeals, extraordinary remedies (i.e. habeas corpus) and test case and public litigation.
• The above work is not only done for the articling principal but for also for other Senior Counsel in the Department.
• Senior Counsel can assist with protocol cases such as Amicus (lawyer for the Court), s 486.3 (cross-examine specific witnesses), and s 672.24 (represent accused while fitness is in issue).
• Senior Counsel are also available to assist General Counsel (GCO) with LAO-related litigation.

Required skills & experience

• A law degree from a recognized university
• Eligible to undertake articles of clerkship to be called to the bar in Ontario as a lawyer
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Awareness of LAO’s statutory mandate to provide high quality client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, Indigenous communities, youth, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and / or homelessness
• Awareness of access to justice issues facing LAO’s clients

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.

Benefits and Pension Program

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, medical and life insurance along with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

Students are also eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

Licensing Fees

LAO pays 100% of the Law Society licensing fees including : application fee, barrister licensing examination, solicitor licensing examination, articling program / LPP / IPC fee, and call to the bar fee.

Onboarding & Training

We offer a 5-day training led by experienced lawyers who are deeply passionate about social justice for all articling students across Ontario in the Provincial Office in your first week

The training program typically includes :

• Criminal law and family law training emphasizing interactive, experiential learning, including case studies, role-playing, and soft skill development.
• A courthouse visit allowed articling students to shadow our lawyers and observe them in action.
• Virtual court sessions offered a chance to watch how virtual court operates, followed by guided walkthroughs of the process with our instructors.

How to apply :

• Apply through (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).