Job Description

Union: Non-Union

Job Number: J0323-1348

Job Title: Summer Student

Job Type: Summer Student

Contract Duration: 4 months

City, Province, Country: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Ottawa

Job Category: Entry Level

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

Open Positions: 2

Posting Date: March 31, 2023

Closing Date: April 14, 2023

Salary: $17.00 - $17.00/Hour

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

Do you have a passion for access to justice and defending people\'s rights? You want to gain hands on experience helping provide legal services to vulnerable people. Then Legal Aid Ontario has a summer work opportunity for you.

Primary Location: Ottawa Courthouse @ 161 Elgin St.
Secondary Location: N/A

Reports to: Manager of Criminal Duty Counsel Services

Key accountabilities

Summer students will play an integral role in day-to-day court activities. Work experience will include:

• Provide general information to the public and assisting them to navigate court proceedings and services provided by Legal Aid Ontario and other stakeholders.
• Appear in court for some criminal procedural matters, such as video remands, set date or adjournments.
• Prepare court documents such as applications, motions and forms, such as surety forms and affidavits as instructed by supervising lawyer.
• Interview sureties, including providing information on the role and responsibilities of a surety.
• Research and gather case law and other legal information relating to criminal law matters.
• Liaise with other court service providers (crown, police, mental health worker, etc), for the purpose of obtaining crown screening form, disclosure, criminal record details.
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court-based services, to ensure seamless client service.
• Perform community outreach and presentation for community legal partners\' and target service groups to ensure awareness of array of LAO services.
• Gathering and entering data for the purposes of reporting and analysis.
• Research and update client resources.
• Research and update legal resources.
• Participate in our improving bails project by observing bail court, taking notes, gathering statistics, summarizing decisions and crown positions.
• Participate in professional developmental opportunities for the purposes enhancing skills.
• Other duties as required.

Required skills & experience

To be successful in this role students with the following skill are invited to apply:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of issues effecting vulnerable and marginalized populations
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity
• Excellent organizational, analytical and writing skills
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritize workload
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to multi-task and to work well under pressure.

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 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.

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