2025/26 Articling Student - Criminal (Senior Counsel)

at  Legal Aid Ontario

Union: The Society
Job Number: J0624-0524
Job Title: 2025/26 Articling Student - Criminal (Senior Counsel) (10 months)
Job Type: Articling Student
Contract Duration: 10 months
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
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: June 17, 2024
Closing Date: June 28, 2024
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

As an articling student, you will be involved in matters that may include:

• Services provided by the Senior Counsel Program include:
• Advocacy and Litigation:

o Cases can be referred to Senior Counsel at various stages and carried through until completion.
o Client services may include negotiation and advice; trials; complex pleas and sentencing, fitness, NCR and ORB hearings; special bails and bail reviews; appeals; extraordinary remedies (i.e. habeas corpus); test case and public litigation.
o Senior Counsel can assist with protocol cases such as Amicus (lawyer for the Court), s 486.3 (cross-examine specific witnesses), and s 672.24 (represent accused while fitness is in issue).
o Senior Counsel are also available to assist General Counsel (GCO) with LAO-related litigation

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Awareness of LAO’s statutory mandate to provide high quality client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, Indigenous communities, youth, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Awareness of access to justice issues facing LAO’s clients
• Ability to function in French is an asset

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 Friday June 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified starting Friday, July 19, 2024
• Virtual interviews will be held on August 12 & 13, 2024
• 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.
Equity Statement
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.
Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.

Please refer the Job description for details