Job Description

Union: The Society

Job Number: J0623-0397

Job Title: Articling Student - Criminal, Family, Immigration (10 months)

Job Type: Articling Student

Contract Duration: 10 months

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Job Classification: AS

Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: June 12, 2023

Closing Date: June 30, 2023

Salary: $1,202.06/Week

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.

Primary function

Are you going to law school so you can work within the fields of social justice or public interest and make a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (\xe2\x80\x9cLAO\xe2\x80\x9d) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.

LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers - a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.

Home location: Toronto
Secondary/tertiary locations: Not applicable

Compensation: $62,507.00 per annum prorated for 10 months (approximately 1,202 per week) plus benefits.
Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2024-25
Assignment: 10 month contract, start date will be July 22, 2024

Reporting to: Director, Policy

Key accountabilities

Examples of the type of work that our students are exposed to include the following:

• The Policy Department engages in evidence-based and data-driven analysis to help develop programs, policies, and services that are sustainable, aligned with LAO\'s statutory regime, and responsive to client needs.
• In each area of law, Policy Counsel advise the organization about the delivery of legal aid services. This includes advising the organization about:

o legal needs of low-income Ontarians
o optimal service delivery models
o potential costs or savings by service delivery changes, and
o responding to provincial and federal legislative, regulatory and budget adjustments.

• The Policy Department also leads the organization\'s Aboriginal Justice Strategy and Racialized Communities Strategy. These strategies are aimed at expanding access to justice and increasing LAO\'s ability to respond to the needs of First Nation, M\xc3\xa9tis, and Inuit clients and communities, and the needs of racialized communities.
• The Policy Department also manages the Test Case Program which provides funding and research support, coordination of partnerships, and staff lawyer support to cases that raise a novel issue not previously litigated, the outcome of which can affect a large number of low-income people, are of serious importance to the advancement of the law, and have the capacity to improve access to justice in LAO\'s core areas of service.
• The Policy Department also manages the Second Chair Program which coordinate hands-on training on certificate cases for junior lawyers, and paid mentorship opportunities for senior lawyers to help attract and retain external service providers.

Required skills & experience

Required Skills & Experiences:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work.
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Solid understanding of the mission of Legal Aid Ontario.
• Understanding of LAO\'s client communities.
• Ability to function in both English and French is an asset.

How to apply:

• Apply through http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers (only applications submitted through LAO\'s online application tool will be accepted).
• To apply submit: A cover letter, r\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9, law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable), and 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
• Candidates must apply by Friday, June 30, 2023, at 5 PM EST
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified starting Friday, July 21, 2023
• Virtual interviews will be held on Monday August 14 & Tuesday August 15, 2023
• If you are interested in more than one location, you need to apply to each location/posting and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

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.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to a position with LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.

Equity Statement

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.

Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or M\xc3\xa9tis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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