Bilingual Immigration Staff Lawyer (18 months)

at  Legal Aid Ontario

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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Legal Representation
  o Represent clients before all divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
  o Handle Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRAs), humanitarian and compassionate (H&Cs) applications, and deferrals with CBSA and IRCC
  o Represent clients in Federal Court, including complex test case litigation and motions seeking stays of removal

o Represent clients in immigration detention, including detention reviews and related Federal and Superior Court matters

• Community and Legal Education

o Present information about LAO immigration services and refugee law to legal and refugee communities
o Provide brief services and general summary legal advice to duty counsel clients

o Participate in legal education initiatives

• Additional Duties

o Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Professional Qualifications

o Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

• Experience

o Multiple years of experience in complex refugee and immigration law, including appellate matters

o Demonstrated fluency in both English and French

• Commitment and Sensitivity

o Strong commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals with precarious immigration status and related marginalization

o Sensitivity towards individuals with mental health and addiction issues

• Skills

o Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast-paced environment
o Effective collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders
o Willingness and ability to travel within the Eastern district as needed

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Additional Qualifications

o Training and mentorship experience in a legal setting

o Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities

• Language and Technical Skills

o Fluency in languages other than English and French (e.g., Arabic, Spanish, Tamil, Punjabi, Dari/Farsi)
o Knowledge of word processing and videoconferencing technologies, including MS Teams, Word, and Adobe PDF
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.
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

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.

Please refer the Job description for details