Staff Lawyer

Ontario Bar Association; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 104,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto is seeking a permanent Staff Lawyer with at least four years of legal experience. This unionized position is funded by Legal Aid Ontario, with a salary range of CAD 104,398–112,533 depending on year of call and the collective agreement.

The staff lawyer will review diverse areas of law, provide client representation before boards and courts, manage files, and support outreach and law reform efforts. Ontario LL.B./J.D.

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D. and Ontario bar admission required.
• Minimum four years of legal experience.
• Knowledge/experience with Indigenous cultural and legal issues preferred.
• Experience serving Indigenous clients or communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Review the full job description with HR and understand case requirements.
• Familiarity with diverse areas of law (e.g., Landlord & Tenant, Social Assistance, Criminal, Child Protection) and willingness to learn.
• Provide summary advice and intake for the public or clients.
• Represent clients before boards, courts, or other administrative processes.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Written advocacy

Indigenous issues understanding

Education

LL.B. or J.D., called to the Bar in Ontario

Minimum four years of legal experience

Knowledge of Indigenous cultural issues (preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Staff Lawyer Travel Required: Minimal Location: Toronto- Head Office Position Type: Full-time – Permanent Job Band: Based on YOC Salary Range: $ 104,398- $112,533 Reports to: Legal Advocacy Director Posting Expires: 18th September 2026

Organizational Overview:

Aboriginal Legal Services, established February 21, 1990, is a recognized leader in developing Indigenous-led justice programming and test-case litigation.

Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) strengthens the capacity of the Aboriginal community and its citizens to deal with justice issues and provide Aboriginal-controlled and culturally based justice alternatives.

Our dedicated staff is our most valued resource. Compassionate care, teamwork, professionalism, communication, and respect are the values that set ALS apart. This is a unionized position.

Principles and Beliefs:

Indigenous People require equitable treatment in the justice system, access to the legal and related resources within the justice system, as well as an understanding of the system and their options.

The support required includes advocacy in all areas of the law as well as alternatives which can break the cycles of recidivism and dependency which is all too prevalent.

These alternatives are more effective when they are community controlled and are based on the traditional cultural norms and values of the Indigenous community.

Job purpose

ALS is looking for a permanent Staff Lawyer to begin as soon as possible. We are seeking a lawyer with at least 4 years of legal experience. This is a unionized position. This position is funded by Legal Aid Ontario. The salary range for this position is $104,398- $112,533 in accordance with year of call and the Collective Agreement. The funding for this position can compensate up to a 7 year of call maximum.

Duties and responsibilities

• To review the full job description of an ALS Staff lawyer please contact the HR department,
• Lawyers applying for this position should have familiarity with diverse areas of law or demonstrate similar experience and willingness to learn areas of law, including but not limited to: Landlord and Tenant, Social Assistance, Inquest representation, Criminal law, Child Protection; Police Complaints, Human Rights, Victim Advocacy, criminal and civil appeals and processes, awareness of changes to relevant law, policies or administrative practices
• Other duties include:
• Providing summary advice and intake for members of the public or clients;
• Client Representation before boards, courts or in other administrative processes;
• Inquest representation;
• File carriage and management, including: organizing facts and prepare case plan, write and obtain documents and material required; Prepare argument, including oral and written submissions, Identify witnesses and evidence, Prepare client and witnesses for trial, Examine and cross-examine witnesses and expert witnesses, Oral advocacy at hearing
• Supervision of other licensees, Community Legal Workers, students and volunteers;
• Administration;
• Outreach and Education;
• Community Development and Organizing;
• Law Reform or Advocacy;
• Other duties and tasks as directed by the Legal Advocacy Director;

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D., called to the bar in Ontario. Relevant experience in law specifically related to clinic services is preferred. Knowledge/experience with urban Indigenous legal/cultural issues is preferred.
• Minimum: four years of legal experience.
• Knowledge and experience with Indigenous cultural and legal issues is preferred.
• Experiences serving or working with Indigenous clients, communities is also an asset that will be considered when selecting candidates for interviews.

To apply:

Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous and meet the requirements of the job posting will be given first consideration in the hiring process

Aboriginal Legal Services is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request. To request accommodation, please email [e-mail].

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Aboriginal Legal Services

Head Office

211 Yonge Street, Suite 500

Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1M4

Tel: [phone]

[e-mail]