Legal Aid Worker (12 months)

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

This position provides legal administrative support for managers, lawyers and other staff in the Refugee Law Office – Detention. This position also supports the manager of the Immigration Detention Representation Program (IDRP). We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively as part of a team in a fast-paced litigation environment. The successful candidate will be highly organized, have strong attention to detail, and preferably have previous administrative experience in a law office. We are also seeking someone who has a demonstrated empathy towards vulnerable persons, including persons with precarious immigration status.

Home position: Refugee Law Office-Detention

Secondary location: N/A

Reports to: Manager, Legal Services

This position is subject to the current LAO in-office work policy. At times, it may be necessary to meet with clients in person in detention centres in the GTA. Flexibility is required based on operational needs.

Key accountabilities

• Assists the RLO-D management with maintaining the daily detention review hearing schedule.
• Prepares client files using applicable client management software, including opening and closing files, distributing disclosures, docket and record keeping and reporting.
• Provides administrative support to managers and RLO-D staff as required, such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or doctor appointments, arranging couriers and process servers, etc.
• Monitors and manages correspondence sent to RLO-D through email, fax, mail, and telephone.
• Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of counsel, including compiling documents using PDF software and drafting affidavits.
• Liaises with clients and other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court-based services, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
• Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO-D management.

Required Skills & Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, research skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to work well under pressure.
• Ability to be responsive to urgent tasks on short notice.
• Proven ability to learn, develop and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures in a changing environment.
• Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PDF software including web-based applications.
• Previous administrative, law clerk experience or experience in a law office an asset
• Experience in a client service role assisting vulnerable client groups an asset
• Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
• Ability to communicate in a second language is an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

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 a 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:***email_hidden***

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.