Paralegal (24 months)

Legal Aid Ontario; London; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking a Paralegal to assist in criminal law actions over a 24-month contract. This role involves representing clients, interviewing them, conducting research, and collaborating with community agencies. The position is ideal for someone passionate about justice, equity, and client service in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience working in a paralegal role in a criminal court environment.
• Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario mandate and services.
• Fluency in spoken French or other languages considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assisting counsel, interviewing clients to gather case information, and speaking to matters in court.
• Representing clients within the scope of the paralegal licence.
• Conducting research, disclosure review and preparation.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Client service

Judgement

Research

Education

P1 license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Union: OPSEU - District Job Number: J0625-0587 Job Title: Paralegal (24 months) Job Type: Contract Contract Duration (months): 24 months City, Province, Country: London, Ontario, Canada Job Location: London Job Category: Legal Job Classification: SPG1U Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace. Open Positions: 1 Posting Date: June 20, 2025 Closing Date: July 3, 2025 Salary: $65,472.49 - $97,720.13/Year

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

You will assist lawyers in all aspects of the preparation of criminal law actions and provide legal advice and representation within your scope of practice. This is a 2 year contract.

Home Position: London
Secondary/Tertiary locations: Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Assisting counsel, interviewing clients to gather case information, and speaking to matters in court;
• Assisting with the video remand and out of custody 1st appearance lists and routinely staffing these courts
• Representing clients within the scope of the paralegal licence;
• Assessing clients’ needs to determine the appropriate service required, including the early identification of vulnerable clients to ensure clients are triaged appropriately;
• Conducting research, disclosure review and preparation, preparing Applications, Facta and Casebooks, and commissioning client affidavits;
• Assisting the Institutional Duty Counsel LAW and Bail Coordinator as required, including attendance in person at EMDC
• Communicating effectively with all other staff about ongoing matters and bail preparation concerns and keeping track of vulnerable clients in video court
• Assisting in data entry and data management, preparation of accounts, including opening and closing of legal files;
• Filing materials in court and keeping track of all time limits for the serving and filing of relevant documents;
• Facilitate relationships with community agencies to assist counsel develop community-based plans to increase the opportunities for pre-trial release and alternatives to custody at the sentencing stage;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required skills & experience

• Experience in criminal law and knowledge of all aspects of court procedures as it pertains to criminal law including youth criminal justice services;
• P1 licence;
• Minimum one year experience working in a paralegal role in a criminal court environment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and interview skills;
• Proven ability to work within an interdisciplinary team;
• Proven ability to exercise judgement when encountering stressful situations;
• Ability to form and maintain partnerships with local service agencies;
• Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario mandate and services;
• Demonstrated commitment to client service;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel with the ability to learn other software as required;
• Experience with Indigenous cultures and Gladue Court will be considered an asset;
• Fluency in spoken French, or other languages, will be considered an asset;
• Knowledge in the area of mental health will also be considered an asset.