Staff Lawyer - Immigration and Refugee

at  Legal Aid Ontario

Union: The Society
Job Number: J1124-0138
Job Title: Staff Lawyer - Immigration and Refugee (24 months)
Job Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 24 months
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
Job Category: Legal
Role Designation:
Flexible Hybrid - In person days can be flexible from week to week subject to manager approval and operational requirements.
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: November 14, 2024
Closing Date: November 29, 2024
Salary: $90,186.96 - $154,117.41/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

• Drafting legal correspondence, notices of suspension, notices of refusal to enrol on the roster, notices of roster removal, and other materials further to LAO’s legislation, rules, or policies.
• Oversight of legal aid roster members in one or more of LAO’s Districts, including carriage of a high-volume Immigration and Refugee roster management files at any given time
• Identify and assess risk, and formulate strategies and approaches to addressing issues with roster management files as they arise;
• Reviewing and providing direction to management and advice on reports from LAO’s Compliance Departments
• Conducting reviews and analysis of Immigration and Refugee Roster Lawyer billings and substantive work submitted to LAO to identify quality and compliance issues;
• Oversight of applications to the Immigration and Refugee Roster and assist staff in drafting refusals, requests for additional information, conditional membership notices, and other materials;
• Participate in a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at reviewing and improving Immigration and Refugee service provision;
• Research, draft, and together with business staff produce data in support of operational policy and process changes;
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing and best practices among staff offices
• File management, including developing and maintaining repository of correspondence, pleadings for roster membership proceedings or related litigation, and other relevant materials including use of computer technology and data input for statistics measurements in a timely manner
• Data tracking, including reviewing and assessing data from LAO’s annual lawyer self-report, and tracking data on roster member issues and resignations.
• Supporting District Offices including providing research and analysis on roster management inquiries from various LAO staff.
• Ensuring a high-quality of legal work in a cost-effective and efficient manner
• Assistance with other special projects as they arise, including providing input and research on new policies or procedures, and new area of law standards.
• Keep abreast with and where necessary providing research and analysis on matters before the Law Society Tribunal.
• Punctual attendance to perform daily duties
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Fluency in French, including ability to draft legal materials and provide legal services in French is a significant asset.
• Extensive Administrative Law knowledge, including intermediate-level knowledge on the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020, its regulations, rules, and LAO’s Roster Management Process
• A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in Immigration and Refugee Law including providing direct client service and attendance and representation at the IRB and/or Federal Court is required,
• Knowledge of court and tribunal practices and procedures relating to immigration law proceedings.
• Knowledge of LAO’s Billing System is an asset;
• Significant and current experience in legal drafting, including drafting demand letters and pleadings, including ability to quickly draft materials and respond to urgent priorities
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated understanding and current working experience with LAO’s Compliance processes and the delivery of Legal Aid Services in general
• Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct and proceedings before the Law Society Tribunal
• Communication, presentation and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skills.
• Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies or course of action
• Ability to quickly shift priorities and adapt where urgent priorities arise
• Ability to foresee and address risks, including maintaining discretion, providing a range of options, and working with sensitive and highly confidential information
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of both internal and external stakeholders, including external counsel, LAO’s Compliance Departments, General Counsel, and LAO’s Management.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in an intensive environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Ability to use computer based file management and data entry systems such as PeopleSoft and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually. (Zoom/Lync/Teams)
  To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
  Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
  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 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