2025/26 Articling Student - Criminal & Family

at  Legal Aid Ontario

Union: The Society
Job Number: J0524-0233
Job Title: 2025/26 Articling Student - Criminal & Family
Job Type: Articling Student
Contract Duration (months): 10 months
City, Province, Country: Kenora, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Kenora
Job Category: Legal
Job Classification: AS
Role Designation:
LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: January 28, 2025
Closing Date: February 12, 2025
Salary: $72,149.57/Year
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.
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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Examples of the type of work that our students are exposed to include the following:
Duty counsel services in criminal court: interview clients and sureties, draft surety declarations, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, conduct guilty pleas, assist with case management courts, conduct legal research, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.
Duty counsel services in family court: interview and help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, conduct legal research, prepare summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations, assist with client meetings, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.
Family staff lawyer: help staff lawyer with interviewing clients, drafting applications, affidavits and motions, conduct legal research, prepare summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations, assist with client meetings, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Eligible to undertake articles in Ontario
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work.
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
• Solid understanding of the mission of Legal Aid Ontario.
• Understanding of LAO’s client communities and excellent client service to vulnerable populations
• Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and video platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Fluency in both English and French is an asset.
• Access to vehicle and travel to secondary and tertiary locations.

How to apply:

• Apply through http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).
• To apply submit: A cover letter, résumé, law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable), and 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
• Candidates must apply by February 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email/phone

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.
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.
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 email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.

Please refer the Job description for details