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
To provide legal representation and advice to immigrants and refugees in matters before the Federal Court, in particular on motions for stays of removal often brought on an emergency basis. This contract position will assist the Refugee Law Office in Toronto with meeting an expected increased in demand for urgent Federal Court work over the next 12 months, stemming from the passing of bill C-12 and related changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. We are seeking someone with extensive Federal Court experience, with the ability to take on last minute work for exceptionally vulnerable clients in complex cases. When caseloads permit, this position will also potentially provide representation before all Divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board and in applications to IRCC and CBSA. This position will require regular in-person attendance at the Refugee Law Office in Toronto as well as in Toronto based courts and tribunals, the Immigration Holding Centre and provincial jails.
We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively with other staff in a high pressure, but team based, environment. This person should also demonstrate empathy towards and a commitment to immigrants and refugees, must be able to “hit the ground running” and assume carriage of a complex caseload.
Home location: Provincial office – Refugee Law Office – Toronto
Secondary location: N/A
This position is 100% onsite at the location listed above. The successful candidate must be able to commute to the office and work in person on a full time basis.
Reports to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Representation before the Federal Courts, in particular in urgent stay motions and potentially in complex appellate level litigation.
- Serving clients in person in the RLO-Toronto office.
- Representing clients before all divisions of the IRB and in applications to IRCC and CBSA, such as PRRA’s, H&C’s and deferrals.
- Providing mentorship to junior lawyers, non-lawyer staff, and members of the private bar when appropriate.
- Participating in public legal educational initiatives.
- Maintaining accurate and up to date client file records in accordance with LAO and LSO policies and by-laws.
- Assisting RLO-Toronto Management when appropriate.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Required skills & experience
- Must be member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
- Must have extensive experience providing representation in Federal Court matters, including urgent stays of removal.
- Must have experience providing representation in complex refugee and immigration law cases, including in appellate level matters
- Demonstrated ability to work with clients with significant vulnerabilities
- Experience mentoring junior counsel, non-lawyer staff and students
- Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast-paced environment while also
demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
What do we offer?
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD).
Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.
Employees are eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP),administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).
How to apply:
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals 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.
First preference will be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.
Only those 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 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:
[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.
