2026 2L Summer Law Student - Criminal & Family (Kenora)

Legal Aid Ontario; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal service organization is seeking a 2L Summer Law Student for a 4-month position in Kenora, Ontario. This role involves conducting duty counsel services in criminal and family court, assisting clients, and includes opportunities for professional development in social justice. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a recognized law school and have a commitment to public interest work. The position offers a salary of $28.71/hour.

Benefits

Experience in multiple areas of law

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven dedication to social justice or public interest work.
• Ability to work independently and tackle complex issues.
• Valid driver's license and/or access to transportation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct duty counsel services in criminal and family court.
• Assist clients with legal applications and court procedures.
• Engage with clients from marginalized communities.

Skills

Exceptional written and oral communication abilities

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience in serving marginalized populations

French language proficiency

Education

Enrolled in a recognized law school

Job description

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Union : Non-union Job Number : J0725-0601 Job Title : 2026 2L Summer Law Student - Criminal & Family (Kenora) Job Type : Summer Student Contract Duration (months) : 4 months City, Province, Country : Kenora, Ontario, Canada Job Location : Kenora Job Category : Legal Role Designation : LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace. Open Positions : 1 Posting Date : November 18, 2025 Closing Date : December 2, 2025 Salary : $28.71 / Hour

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

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) presents law students with an exceptional opportunity to embark on adverse and fulfilling career in social justice. LAO is dedicated to the long-term professional development of its lawyers, offering experience in multiple areas of law throughout Ontario, beginning with summer and articling placements.

We are seeking talented law students passionate about a multifaceted, long-term career focused on providing access to justice. Consider joining LAO, where you can positively affect the lives of low-income Ontarians.

Home Location : Kenora

Secondary & Tertiary Locations : not applicable

Hiring Manager : Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

As a summer student, you will be involved in matters that may include :

• Duty counsel services in criminal court : interview accused, contact and verify sureties, conduct surety interviews, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, facilitate interviews for duty counsel, conduct guilty plea interviews, assist with set-date court, and assisting with weekend and statutory holiday (WASH) court.
• Duty counsel services in family court : help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations and assist with client meetings.

Required skills & experience

• Enrolled in a recognized law school
• Proven dedication to social justice or public interest work
• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills such as active listening, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, patience, adaptability, networking and a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with Legal Aid Ontario's mission and services
• Ability to work independently, tackle complex issues, build relationships, and collaborate with teams
• Experience in serving marginalized populations, including racialized communities, youth, and individuals facing mental health or addiction issues, or homelessness
• French language proficiency is an asset
• Valid driver's license and / or access to transportation
• LAO is pleased to accept applications from students in law schools outside of Ontario as well.

How to apply

• Application Submission : Apply online at LAO Careers
• Required Documents : cover letter, résumé, law school transcripts (unofficial web-based transcripts or grade listings are acceptable), and 2-3 reference letters related to work, school, or volunteer activities.
• Submission Details : Applications must be submitted through LAO’s online application tool. No other forms of submission will be accepted.
• o Address Applications to : Hiring Manager, 20 Dundas St. West, Suite 730 Toronto, ON M5G2H1
• Multiple Locations : If interested in more than one location, submit a separate application foreach and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn.

As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.

Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.

Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support : [e-mail]

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