Job Description

Union: OPSEU

Job Number: J1223-0418

Job Title: Legal Aid Worker (12 months)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 12 months

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Customer Service / Customer Associates

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

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: December 18, 2023

Closing Date: December 27, 2023

Salary: $51,378.23 - $76,692.01/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 M\xc3\xa9tis, 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

This position is responsible for direct litigation support to criminal staff lawyers and Senior Counsel who represent hard-to-serve clients. It includes file management (opening and closing files, docketing); communication with clients, criminal court staff and stakeholders; the preparation of procedural criminal court documents under the direct supervision of a criminal lawyers across the Senior Counsel Program. The incumbent will work in a dynamic and interesting environment. An ability to work closely with litigation lawyers in a sometimes intense atmosphere is important.

Home Location: Toronto Provincial Office
Secondary Location: n/a

Reporting to Manager, Operations - Senior Counsel Program

Key accountabilities

• Perform client file management including opening and closing files, maintaining a tickler system, record keeping, preparing and reviewing correspondence with clients, requesting disclosure, docketing, booking conference calls and jail visits with clients, preparing trial briefs
• Liaise with court staff; request transcripts, schedule CPT\'s, request court information\'s
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court based services, to ensure seamless client service
• Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis
• Reconcile Invoices, MasterCard statements and monthly expenses within PeopleSoft
• Transcribe Audio/Video Disclosure
• Preparation of litigation materials such as off-record applications and affidavits under the supervision of counsel
• Prepare and compile information for the quarterly MAG report
• Assist with the continued Legal Files rollout within the Senior Counsel Program
• Ordering Supplies, archiving of closed files
• Any other responsibilities as required

Required skills & experience

• Resiliency, solution-oriented, possessing a calm temperament; adaptability to working well in a constantly changing environment;
• Ability to take initiative, work with limited instruction, identify problems and suggest and implement feasible solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients and lawyers with the proven ability to exercise judgement when encountering stressful situations
• Possess in-depth experience supporting criminal counsel
• Aptitude and willingness to work effectively with and be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable clients, particularly clients with mental health issues, survivors of domestic abuse, clients from marginalized communities and clients who have concurrent immigration and/or criminal law matters
• Possess significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality;
• Must have competent computer skills and knowledge of the Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Legal Files and PeopleSoft;
• French language skills (or a second language) would be an asset; and
• Diploma or certificate in law practice or law clerking would be an asset

This position is collective represented by OPSEU

As per the requirements of the Collective Agreement governing this position, first consideration is given to current OPSEU member applicants.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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.

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Legal Aid Ontario