Company Bio
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
The Indigenous Services Department provides strategic direction and expertise for the co-ordination, development and delivery of high-quality legal services provided to First Nation, Métis and Inuit clients by LAO and service providers. This is done in collaboration with Indigenous communities and service providers.
The Indigenous Services Department is a newly created department (April 2024) within LAO and has a mandate to drive LAO’s commitment to addressing the over-representation of Indigenous peoples within the justice system by removing barriers and increasing access to high quality legal aid services throughout Ontario.
Much of the work of the Indigenous Services Department is focused on:
- leading the development and execution of LAO’s strategy to provide culturally appropriate, effective services to Indigenous clients in Ontario;
- developing innovative Indigenous policies and programs for the delivery of legal aid services;
- working collaboratively with Indigenous legal service providers and justice sector participants to ensure the highest quality of legal services for all First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients;
- strengthening LAO’s relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and service providers by continually promoting respect, trust, transparency, accountability and communication
Home location: Toronto
Secondary/tertiary locations: N/A
This position is 100% onsite at the locations listed above. The successful candidate must be able to commute to the office(s) and work in person on a full‑time basis.
Hiring Manager: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
As a summer student, you will be involved in matters that may include:
- Duty counsel services in criminal court:
interview accused, contact and verify sureties, conduct surety interviews, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, facilitate interviews for duty counsel, conduct guilty plea interviews, and assist with set-date court.
- Duty counsel services in family court:
help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations and assist with client meetings.
Required skills & experience
- Demonstrated experience, knowledge, commitment to and understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities including their needs, cultures, and historical experiences within the justice system;
- 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
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, decolonization and reconciliation, and to embedding these principles within the work environment;
How to apply:
http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers
(only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).
o A cover letter;
o résumé ;
o law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable);and
o 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
- Interviews: This position will participate in the virtual On Campus Interview (OCI) process. Check with your school for the OCI interview schedule.
- Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email
- 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.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified
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.
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 emailsupport:
[email protected].
Equity Statement
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 Métis, 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.
