Legal Counsel (24 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

• Prepare and provide strategic legal advice to the organization
• Carriage of and support for litigation files, including developing litigation strategies, legal research and drafting, reviewing pleadings, supporting mediation and settlement discussions; representing LAO before courts and tribunals; and providing instructions to external counsel
• Support GCO in its responsibility for overseeing the development and implementation of Rules and Policies under LASA 2020, including by identifying the need for new or revised rules where appropriate, monitoring compliance with Rules and Policies, and providing advice on the requirements and application of LAO’s Public Consultation Policy
• Provide advice, drafting where required, and recommendations to the Board for approval of and amendments to Rules and Policies
• Support the CEO in their role as Ethics Executive
• Provide legal advice to internal departments

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated substantive legal knowledge in the areas of employment law, civil procedure, administrative law, human rights law, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• In depth knowledge of LASA 2020, LAO’s Rules and Policies, financial eligibility and legal coverage policies and procedures, and the Public Service of Ontario Act
• Knowledge of justice sector issues and issues impacting LAO’s clients and service providers
• Practice experience in employment, administrative and human rights law considered an asset
• Practice experience in areas of law where legal aid coverage is provided, including criminal, family, child protection and immigration and refugee law, considered an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent research and legal drafting skills
• Sound judgment and strong analytic and problem solving skills
• Ability to identify legal and reputational risk and propose options to address risk, and provide legal and strategic advice to clients
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to take ownership over work assignments, manage competing priorities and work with minimum supervision
• Proficiency in the use of computers, including proficiency with legal software applications, Microsoft suite of programs including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
  To apply submit a cover letter & résumé
  Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
  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: 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