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.
Primary function
This position is responsible for supporting the Duty Counsel Office by advancing a client’s legal matter in Criminal law and occasionally with Family law matters. The incumbent will interview clients about their legal matter, provide clients with procedural information and referrals, provide directors, managers and staff lawyer the details about the client’s legal matter.
The incumbent will have to be prepared to provide direct lawyer support services in virtual and in person criminal court, both interviewing clients and speaking to the court to address adjournments, etc, with the supervision of a lawyer. The incumbent may have to assist with preparation of court documents with supervision of a lawyer. The incumbent will have to be comfortable with ZOOM, 360 Teams, and the use of data management programs.
Home Location: St. Catharines court house
Secondary/tertiary locations: Welland court house
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries, from lawyers, clients and other legal system partners, on the status of applications,appeals and referrals.
- Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court based services, to ensure seamless client service
- Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing of information to clients relating to legal aid and court proceeding.
- Complete legal aid applications in person or virtually – in custody and out, by video including eligibility decisions and client/conflict checks
- Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis
- Prepare payment agreements, certificates, court and other forms and general correspondences
- Assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in person
- Perform other duties as required
Required skills & experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients and solicitors with the proven ability to exercise judgment when encountering stressful situations
- Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures
- Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures would be an asset
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills
- Well-developed interview skills in a social service environment
- Ability to function in a high intensity, public facing role with strict deadlines
- French language skills, both oral and written are required (Candidates will be tested on their French language skills).
What do we offer?
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.
Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy including vacation days, illness days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.
Employees are eligible to be enrolled to OPSEU Pension Plan, administered by OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust).
How to apply?
Submit a résumé and cover letter.
Please clearly set out in your cover letter why you are interested in the Legal Aid Worker position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
This position is represented by OPSEU 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.
Note: If a permanent employee, currently represented by OPSEU, is the successful candidate for this opportunity, they will return to their home position at the conclusion of this assignment, if the position continues to exist.
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 résumé 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:
[email protected].
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.
