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
- Represent vulnerable refugee and immigration clients with complex legal matters
- Represent clients in their tribunal hearings, applications to government departments, and before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and international tribunals
- Support RLO’s immigration and refugee litigation strategy in partnership with RLO Management.
- Serve as a mentor and provide litigation advice/support and coaching to refugee and immigration staff caseworkers (lawyers, paralegals, CLWs, LAWs)
- Develop/deliver training including on significant refugee and immigration legal developments
- Make presentations and represent LAO/RLO at immigration and refugee forums
- Support LAO organizational strategies to advance high quality refugee and immigration services province-wide including providing input into LAO policies and procedures relating to refugee and immigration services as requested
- Work with various LAO departments including Policy, and RSD staff services including the Criminal Senior Counsel and Family Senior Counsel programs on legal services initiatives and intersecting legal issues
- Support LAO External Relations Department in coordination with RLO management when dealing with external stakeholder relations efforts
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Lawyer in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
- 10 plus years of immigration/refugee law practice experience with demonstrated experience representing vulnerable and marginalized clients and appellate and strategic litigation
- Strong knowledge of Immigration/Refugee law and procedure
- Strong experience with Charter litigation
- Excellent oral and written communication and advocacy skills
- Well developed interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele, staff and external stakeholders
- Strong knowledge of LAO’s policies and procedures
- Proven ability to analyze and express legal issues and provide advice
- Strong mentorship skills and experience
- Collegial and team-oriented attitude with an ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to exercise sound judgment when encountering stressful situations
- Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the ability to enter and retrieve information in a client service and case management system (PeopleSoft, Legal Files, or other case management software as required).
- Demonstrated innovation and initiative
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Strong consultation, facilitation, and negotiation skills
- Fluency in French will be considered an asset
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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 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 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.
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