Supervising Lawyer (Prison Law), Downtown Legal Services - TERM

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Toronto seeks a Supervising Lawyer for its legal aid clinic to provide expertise in prison law and manage law students. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of relevant experience, excellent advocacy skills, and a strong commitment to social justice. The position is a two-year term starting in January 2026, offering opportunities for outreach and public legal education.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience practicing prison law or corrections law.
• Experience training and supervising law students or junior lawyers.
• Significant experience with vulnerable communities and incarcerated populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation in prison law.
• Supervise law students working in the clinic.
• Deliver ongoing clinic education on law and advocacy skills.

Skills

Legal expertise in prison and corrections law

Written and oral advocacy skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving ability

Project management skills

Education

Undergraduate degree and law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)

LL.M. or a graduate degree in a related area

Tools

MS Office

Legal research software

Job description

Supervising Lawyer (Prison Law)

Term: January 2026 – December 2027 (two‑year term)

About the Role

The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law’s Downtown Legal Services (DLS) clinical program operates a student legal aid society (SLASS) clinic that provides free legal assistance to incarcerated and vulnerable populations. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Supervising Lawyer (Prison Law) directs legal services, manages and evaluates law students, and contributes to education, outreach and public advocacy activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and representation in the area of prison law, corrections law and criminal justice litigation. • Supervise, manage, and evaluate law students working in the clinic as volunteers, for academic credit, and as summer employees. • Deliver ongoing clinic education on substantive and procedural law, advocacy skills, file management, legal research, professional responsibility, and client counseling. • Support community outreach, advocacy projects, and public legal education initiatives related to prison law. • Contribute to clinic operations, administrative matters, and policies, and provide input on the scope of clinic activities within the supervisor’s areas of responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). LL.M. or a graduate degree in a related area is a strong asset.
• Good standing membership with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Training in anti‑racism and anti‑oppression practices.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience practicing prison law, corrections law, or criminal justice litigation.
• Experience training and supervising (or mentoring) law students or junior lawyers.
• Significant prior experience working with highly vulnerable communities and incarcerated populations.
• Experience in social justice, public interest settings, and community outreach activities.
• Prior supervisory or management experience is an asset.

Skills

• Demonstrated legal expertise in prison and corrections law.
• Superior written, oral advocacy, and client counseling skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, problem‑solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Effective project management and time‑management abilities.
• Computer proficiency (MS Office, legal research software, email).

Other Considerations

Ability to balance DLS’s dual mandate of client service and student education; familiarity with clinical legal education pedagogy; work under stress, meet deadlines, handle conflicting priorities; manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion; adaptability and creativity.

Closing Date

12 January 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Diversity Statement

U of T welcomes diverse applicants, including Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to inclusive recruitment and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. Contact [e-mail] for assistance.