Job Description

Union: OPSEU - District
Job Number: J0825-0933
Job Title: Legal Aid Worker
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
Job Category: Legal
Job Classification: S4U
Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: September 9, 2025
Closing Date: September 23, 2025
Salary: $55,200.11 - $82,396.92/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 Metis, 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 role is responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of a Lawyer. The Legal Aid Worker will be responsible for the initial intake and triage/assessment of family law clients; to confirm financial eligibility and determine the most appropriate service for clients, communicate with clients, stakeholders and various agencies; support clients in the gathering of material evidence and financial disclosure; organize and sort through documentation provided by clients; draft court documents; provide general information, procedural guidance and referrals to other services and agencies; co-ordinate services with duty counsel; facilitate referrals to the certificate program and other tasks as required. The Legal Aid Worker will also carry out other administrative tasks or duties, as assigned, to support the Manager and other team members.
Primary Location: FLSC - Toronto Central (730-20 Dundas Street West)
Secondary Location: Rexdale Community Hub (21 Panorama Court, Suite 24), Courthouses (311 Jarvis St., 47 Sheppard Ave E., 10 Armoury St.)
Reporting to: Lawyer Manager, Family Law Service Centre - Toronto Central
Key accountabilities

• Assessment of the client's needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Confirming financial eligibility of clients as needed
• Assisting with telephone calls, email correspondence and in-person inquiries
• Managing client files, including certificate files, under the direct supervision of a Lawyer, including interviewing and communicating regularly with clients to gather and organize information and documentation about their legal issues
• Drafting and preparation of court documents, including pleadings and briefs and any other documents required by the Family Law Rules as well as drafting of other legal documents as instructed by the Lawyer/Lawyer Manager such as statutory declarations, affidavits in support of subsidized housing etc.
• Liaising with various community and government agencies, stakeholders and duty counsel
• Working within established systems to prioritize and manage caseloads
• Ensuring that statistical data is captured and reported accurately
• Demonstrating some flexibility in terms of work hours including occasionally working partly through lunch breaks or past regular work hours
• Performing office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files and other administrative tasks as assigned

Required skills & experience

• Excellent writing, drafting and communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and interview skills, including sound judgment inrelating to clients, lawyers and other stakeholders
• Ability to work well in a professional office and team environment, and proven ability to dealeffectively and sensitively with vulnerable and marginalized clients on the phone and in-person
• Ability to prioritize and work efficiently under severe time constraints
• Ability to manage client expectations
• Ability to be resilient, solution-oriented, possess a calm temperament and adapt to workingwell in a constantly changing environment
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures
• Good understanding of family court processes and the rules and practice directions for alllevels of court serviced by Toronto duty counsel
• Understanding and knowledge of legal aid application process, including financial and legaleligibility guidelines and other LAO policies and practices
• Intermediate knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel,PowerPoint, and LAO's PeopleSoft program
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality

Organizational Competencies Expected

• Client Focus
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Personal Motivation and Accountability
• Focus on Quality and Best Practice
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration

To apply, submit a cover letter & resume.
This position is represented by OPSEU 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.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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.
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.

Skills Required