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 Legal Aid Worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of criminal and family law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for clients, providing legal information, making referrals to services and resources, and other duties as assigned.
The role will focus on supporting criminal court, family court.
Home Location: Waterloo Region Courthouse at 85 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario
Secondary Location: n/a
Reporting to: Laurie Gardiner – Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
Legal Aid Workers assist lawyers and paralegals with criminal and family law court proceedings with an emphasis on resolving matters as set out below.
General
- Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria.
- Triage and interview clients to:
o Gather information about the client’s case;
o Assess client need, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate LAO service for the client;
o Prepare them to have a productive meeting with duty counsel;
o Assist in case management procedures.
- Provide basic information about the law, forms, and court process
- Provide referrals to other internal and external programs and resources
- Perform searches and commission affidavits of clients, as appropriate
- Prepare reports and submit accounts/dockets, as required, in accordance with LAO policies
- Assist with training/onboarding colleagues and per diems
- Participate in working groups, pilots and LAO initiatives
- Stakeholder engagement and public legal education
- Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned
Criminal Law
- Speak to routine administrative matters in court (e.g. adjournments in Case Management Court and Video Remand Court)
- Assist with bail planning, including by interviewing potential sureties and making referrals to bail programs and other supports
- Assist with file management, and record keeping, including requesting and organizing disclosure and timely creation and maintenance of electronic duty counsel worksheets in Service Integration (SI)
- Assist with scheduling and filing materials for court
- Other duties as assigned
Family Law
- Prepare and draft documents for family law and child protection proceedings under the supervision of a lawyer
- Assist with file management, conflict checks, and record keeping, including requesting and organizing documents and updating Case Center
- Assist with scheduling, service of documents, and filing materials for court
- Other duties as assigned
Required skills & experience
- Knowledge of Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency
- Familiarity with basic criminal and family law procedure and legislation
- Knowledge of criminal and family court processes and practice directions for courts serviced by duty counsel
- Prior legal worker experience in criminal and/or family law is an asset
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders
- Understanding of solicitor-client privilege and duty to maintain client confidentiality
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent word processing skills
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe, Zoom and Teams
- Familiarity and competence with client and file management systems, including PeopleSoft, Service Integration (SI), Legal Files, Divorcemate, and Case Center is an asset
- Ability to perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, organizing materials
- Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the deliver of client service
- Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the justice system
- Communication skills in languages other than English is an asset
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.
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.
