Jr. Associate, Immigration Law

True North HR Consulting; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced lawyers

North American immigration platform

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision benefits

CLE & professional development

Collaborative work environment

Career advancement opportunities

Meaningful, high-impact work

Job summary

Cumming & Partners, a leading cross-border immigration law firm, seeks a Junior Associate to join our Canadian practice and report directly to a Partner. The role provides an opportunity to work on Canadian immigration matters with exposure to U.S. cross-border work.

The ideal candidate will have solid Canadian immigration experience, strong client service instincts, and professional Bar standing. The firm offers mentorship and a North American platform in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Called to the Bar in a Canadian province or territory.
• Membership in good standing with the provincial Law Society.
• JD or LLB from a Canadian law school.
• 0-3 years post-call experience in Canadian legal context.
• Experience with Canadian immigration law is preferred, U.S. immigration experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file applications for work permits, study permits, visitor visas, permanent residence, citizenship.
• Assist with inadmissibility matters and related issues.
• Conduct legal research on Canadian immigration law and policy developments.
• Draft legal correspondence, submissions, memoranda, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as primary client contact, providing updates and clear communications.
• Collaborate with senior lawyers on cross-border Canada–U.S. matters.
• Manage client deliverables and competing priorities.

Skills

Clear and professional written and Ver

Verbal communication

Analytical and research

Time management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Case management systems

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from a Canadian law school

Tools

Case management systems

E-filing

Microsoft Office

Job description

Type: Full-Time | Monday - Friday - In office

Compensation: $100,000 - $130,000 per year (we are flexible based on level of experience)

Vacancy Status: A new position within the organization

Cumming & Partners is a leading cross-border law firm headquartered at 30 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto. With a singular focus on U.S. and Canadian business immigration, the firm brings together over sixty immigration professionals – including senior partners who are called to the Bar in both countries and have practiced together for more than two decades.

The firm represents approximately 500 corporate clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, as well as thousands of individual clients, across industries including technology, engineering, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional sports. Cumming & Partners also serves as outside immigration counsel to many of North America’s leading law firms, delivering "big firm" expertise within a boutique environment.

Our reputation is built on superior client service, high-quality work, and strategic immigration solutions. The firm operates on a flat-fee model, uses proprietary case management technology, and provides each client with a dedicated service team and direct 24/7 lawyer access.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Junior Associate, Immigration Law, reporting directly to a Partner.

The Junior Associate, Immigration Law will work alongside experienced immigration lawyers to deliver high-quality legal services across a range of Canadian immigration matters, with exposure to the firm’s cross-border U.S. practice. This role is well-suited to a recently called lawyer seeking to build a focused immigration practice within a collegial, mentorship-driven environment. The successful candidate will bring solid Canadian immigration experience, a client-first mindset, and the professionalism expected of a practising member of the Bar.

We offer

• Structured mentorship from experienced immigration lawyers and partners with 20+ years of cross-border practice.
• Exposure to a unique integrated North American immigration platform spanning both Canadian and U.S. matters.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Support for continuing legal education (CLE) and ongoing professional development.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and professionally stimulating work environment with an outstanding team of professionals.
• Clear pathways for career advancement within the firm.
• Meaningful, high-impact work on files that directly shape clients’ lives, careers, and futures.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• Prepare and file applications for work permits (LMIA and LMIA-exempt), study permits, visitor visas, permanent residence (provincial and federal), citizenship, and related immigration programs.
• Assist with inadmissibility matters, temporary resident permit applications, and enforcement-related issues, as applicable.
• Conduct legal research on Canadian immigration law, regulatory changes, and policy developments at the federal and provincial levels.
• Draft legal correspondence, submissions, memoranda, and supporting documentation to a high standard.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, providing clear updates, gathering required information, and communicating legal processes in accessible language.
• Making submissions to ports of entry, consulates, and visa posts worldwide.
• Maintain accurate, current, and compliant client files and case management records in accordance with firm procedures and proprietary systems.
• Collaborate with senior lawyers, partners, and support staff on complex and multi-jurisdictional files, including cross-border Canada - U.S. matters.
• Manage client deliverables and expectations while demonstrating an ability to effectively execute on competing priorities.
• Monitor and apply amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), and related policies.
• Provide day-to-day direction and oversight to law clerks and legal assistants, including delegating tasks, reviewing work product, and supporting the development of support staff within the team.
• Contribute to firm initiatives, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following qualifications

Licensing & Bar Admission (Must-Have)

• Called to the Bar in a Canadian province or territory - this is a firm requirement.
• Membership in good standing with the relevant provincial Law Society.
• Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from a recognized Canadian law school.

Experience

• Canadian immigration law experience is required - gained through articling, associate practice, or equivalent exposure.
• 0-3 years of post-call experience in a Canadian legal context.
• U.S. immigration experience is a strong asset; candidates without this background are welcome, as this component can be developed and trained within the firm.
• Familiarity with IRCC online portals, case management systems, and e-filing processes is an advantage.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex legal matters to diverse clients.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Effective time management and the ability to prioritise across competing deadlines.
• Empathetic, culturally sensitive, and consistently client focused.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice.
• Proficiency in French is an asset; additional language skills are valued.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal practice management software.

Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted within legislated timelines.

Cumming & Partners is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We encourage you to contact us if you require accommodation in the recruitment process or need this job posting in an alternative format.

Cumming & Partners does not use artificial intelligence systems to screen, assess, or select applicants - all hiring decisions are made through human review.

While we appreciate all interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for consideration will be required to successfully complete a background check, skills assessments, and personality assessments as part of the recruitment process.