Bilingual Legal Aid Worker (6 months)

Perfdrive; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

AD&D/STD/LTD benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario seeks a bilingual Legal Aid Worker for a 6-month contract in Ottawa. The role supports the Refugee Law Office by handling intakes, preparing client files, drafting correspondence, and coordinating interpreters, couriers and service providers.

The position requires empathy for vulnerable clients, excellent communication in English and French, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, with both on-site and virtual work options.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, research skills, and attention to detail.
• Designation bilingual position: services in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Assists management and staff with intakes, summary legal advice, litigation files, and other office related tasks as required.
• Prepares client files using applicable client management software, including opening and closing files, distributing disclosures, docket and record keeping and reporting.
• Provides administrative support staff at the Refugee Law Office in Ottawa with various tasks such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or doctor appointments, arranging couriers and process servers, contacting clients and service providers, etc.
• Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of counsel, including compiling documents using PDF software and drafting affidavits.
• Liaises with clients and other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court‑based services, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
• Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO management.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Research skills

Attention to detail

Bilingual English/French

Team collaboration

Multi-tasking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Bilingual Legal Aid Worker (6 months)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration (months): 6

Job Location: Ottawa

Job Category: Customer Service / Customer Associates

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: November 5, 2026

Closing Date: November 15, 2026

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

This position provides legal administrative support for all staff at the Refugee Law Office in Ottawa. We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively as part of a team. The successful candidate will be highly organized, have strong attention to detail, and preferably have previous administrative experience in a law office. We are also seeking someone who has a demonstrated empathy towards vulnerable persons, including persons with precarious immigration status.

Home position: Ottawa - Refugee Law Office

Secondary Location: Not Applicable

Services are currently provided both virtually and on site, with minimal "on-site" supervision. Flexibility is required based on operational needs.

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Assists management and staff with intakes, summary legal advice, litigation files, and other office related tasks as required.
• Prepares client files using applicable client management software, including opening and closing files, distributing disclosures, docket and record keeping and reporting.
• Provides administrative support staff at the Refugee Law Office in Ottawa with various tasks such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or doctor appointments, arranging couriers and process servers, contacting clients and service providers, etc.
• Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of counsel, including compiling documents using PDF software and drafting affidavits.
• Liaises with clients and other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court‑based services, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
• Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO management.

Required skills & experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, research skills, and attention to detail.
• This position is a designated bilingual position, candidates must be able to provide services in both English and French.
• Ability to multi‑task, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to work well under pressure.
• Proven ability to learn, develop and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures in a changing environment.
• Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PDF software.
• Previous administrative, law clerk experience or experience in a law office an asset
• Experience in a client service role assisting vulnerable client groups an asset
• Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
• Knowledge to communicate in additional languages is an asset

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.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time‑off policy including vacation days, illness days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.

Employees are eligible to be enrolled to OPSEU Pension Plan, administered by OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust).

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), an independent but publicly funded and publicly accountable non‑profit corporation. None of this material may be commercially reproduced, but copying for other purposes, with credit, is encouraged.