Staff Lawyer

Legal Aid Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking a lawyer with strong expertise in Social Assistance and clinic law to deliver high-quality legal services. You will perform research, draft publications, and provide opinions to support clinic operations and related activities.

The role emphasizes independent work within a collaborative team and a fast-paced environment. You should have significant experience in clinic law and be in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Qualifications

• Must be a Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Significant experience in Social Assistance law within the last 5 years.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Adept at working independently and in a team.
• Ability to handle shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare publications on Social Assistance law.
• Provide legal opinions and advice; support clinic system and SLSO activities.

Skills

Licensed Ontario Lawyer

Writing Skills

Analytical Skills

Social Assistance Law

Legal Research

MS Word

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Licensed to practice law in Ontario

Tools

Microsoft Word

Legal research databases

Job description

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 is 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.

Primary function

Work on important and interesting poverty law issues with a team committed to high quality legal services. Use your clinic law expertise and superior analytical and writing skills to provide legal advice and opinions, create and maintain a range of publications in Social Assistance law, and provide legal services in support of a variety of clinic system and SLSO activities.

Home Location: Provincial Office, CRO - Toronto

Secondary/Other Locations: Not applicable

Reports to: Director, Clinic Resource Office

Key accountabilities

• Legal research and writing, primarily focused on Social Assistance and related areas – writing a range of publications from decision summaries and short website postings to comprehensive research memoranda
• Other project work in accordance with interests and skills

Required Skills & Experience

• Lawyer (Class L1 licence) member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Significant experience practicing, and demonstrated expertise in, Social Assistance law, within the last 5 years
• Demonstrated strong interest in clinic law issues
• Demonstrated superior legal research skills with traditional and electronic research sources
• Strong computer skills (including demonstrated advanced ability with Microsoft Word)
• Adept at working both independently and in a team environment
• Able to work with shifting priorities in a fast-paced work environment

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience using the CRO website and practice resources
• Experience practicing in a variety of clinic law areas (e.g. housing, social assistance, CPP, EI, human rights & the Charter)
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Superior knowledge of administrative law and procedure
• Publication experience
• Court litigation experience
• Experience delivering legal training presentations
• Ability to speak, read and write French is an asset

This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire. First Preference will be given to current members of the Society of United Professionals.

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.