Job Description

The Durham Community Legal Clinic (DCLC) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing free legal services to low-income individuals in the Durham Region. As part of Ontario's network of community legal clinics, DCLC works to ensure access to justice for those who may not otherwise afford legal representation.

The DCLC team offers legal advice, representation, and advocacy in areas such as landlord-tenant disputes, employment rights, social assistance, human rights, and other civil matters. Beyond individual legal support, the Clinic engages in public legal education, law reform initiatives, and community outreach.

Located in Oshawa, the Clinic proudly serves residents across the Durham Region, helping them navigate the legal system with dignity and confidence.

MISSION AND VALUES

The DCLC mission is to provide accessible, high-quality legal services to equity-deserving individuals in the Durham Region, ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. The Clinic is committed to empowering our community through legal advocacy, education, and representation.

The vision is a fair and just society where all individuals can exercise their legal rights without barriers. Through collaboration, outreach, and systemic advocacy, the Clinic strives to create lasting positive change and promote social justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Position:

Licenced Paralegal

Reports to:

Supervisor of Paralegal Services

Employment Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Location:

200 John Street West, Oshawa Ontario L1J 2B4

DCLC

is seeking a Licensed Paralegal to support the clinic areas of law. Reporting to the Supervisor of Paralegal Services, this role will support a range of activities including but not limited to: case management, research, service navigation, public legal education, legal advice, limited and full retained matter. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience across diverse areas of clinic law, including housing, social assistance, employment, immigration and more.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Manage casework, represent clients before administrative tribunals.

Provide summary advice and brief services to clients both by in person and over the phone.

Represent Clinic in administrative Tribunal proceedings.

Assist with providing public legal education materials and outreach initiatives.

Conduct public legal education workshops.

Draft legal memos.

Assist with the development and support of Clinic advocacy / justice reform initiatives.

Contribute to task related to Clinic operations as required.

ABOUT YOU

A Paralegal licenced by the Law Society of Ontario

Knowledge in legal clinic areas of law is a significant asset

An interest in social justice law and reform

Ability to interact with high needs clients in an empathetic manner

Knowledge and experience of trauma informed service delivery

Experience developing and conducting qualitative research and comprehensive literature reviews.

Understanding of equity in policy development and delivery

Excellent customer service, public presentation and communication

Professional, ethical, accurate, detailed, team focused

High degree of computer literacy and administrative self-sufficiency

Ability to work as part of a team in a busy, demanding environment

Community legal clinic experience or other related legal experience would be an asset

Please Note: in addition to review of qualifications, interviews and reference checks, successful candidates may be invited to participate in a written test and other assessment tools.

COMPENSATION

$ 66,996.32 (annual rate)

DCLC offers a group benefits including health and dental as well as RRSP contributions.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

DCLC is committed to equitable employment and hiring practices and is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals from diverse, marginalized and racialized communities and backgrounds and people with disabilities including all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and perspectives at DCLC. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume/CV demonstrating how you meet the qualifications as set out in this job

by 5 p.m. on December 5, 2025 to

sinead.mackenzie@dclc.clcj.ca. Please include in the subject line "Licenced Paralegal".

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

ABOUT THE TEAM

DCLC is overseen by a Governance Board, made up of 10 qualified volunteers; each from diverse cross section of society and services. Reporting to the Board, the Clinic's operations are led by the Executive Director and a dynamic group of leaders with comprehensive expertise and experience in law and a variety of other professions and industries. The DCLC Team consists of a blend of support personnel, paralegals and lawyers who bring with them an unparalleled commitment to meeting the needs of the community they serve. The result is an energized, welcoming and dedicated work environment in which the client is the focus, advocacy is ingrained, and quality service is the norm.

You may find more about them on the DCLC website.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,996.32 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance RRSP match
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-12-05