2026 2L Summer Law Student - Family (Windsor/Chatham)

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

Job summary

A social justice organization in Ontario seeks summer law students to assist in family law matters and support legal services to low-income Ontarians. Candidates must be enrolled in recognized law schools and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a recognized law school.
• Proven dedication to social justice or public interest work.
• Demonstrated interest in family law.
• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills such as active listening and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Assist in family law matters and duty counsel services.
• Help prepare case summaries and attend client meetings.
• Support staff lawyers by drafting applications and motions.

Skills

Dedication to social justice

Interest in family law

Written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Experience with marginalized populations

French language proficiency

Education

Enrolled in a recognized law school

Job description

Overview

Company Bio

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.

Home Location: Windsor Family Law Service Centre

Secondary & Tertiary Locations: Chatham Family Law Service Centre

Hiring Manager: Manager, Legal Services

Position

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) presents law students with an exceptional opportunity to embark on a diverse 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.

Key accountabilities

• As a summer student, you will be involved in family law matters that may include:
• Duty counsel services in family court: help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions and client meetings
• Assisting LAO staff lawyer certificate clients: help draft client applications, affidavits, motions, legal research, attend on client meetings and assist with all aspects of carrying a client file from beginning to end
• Prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by LAO counsel, observe courtroom presentations

Required Skills & Experience

• Enrolled in a recognized law school
• Proven dedication to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated interest in family law
• 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

How to Apply

• Apply through http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).
• To apply submit:
• A cover letter;
• résumé;
• law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable); and
• 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
• Candidates must apply by Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email/phone
• If you are interested in more than one location, you need to apply to each location/posting and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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 a position with 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].

Equity Statement

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.