Staff Lawyer (24 months)

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.

Primary function

This position is part of the multi-disciplinary team at the Refugee Law Office in Toronto.

This position provides direct legal representation to highly vulnerable individuals with precarious immigration status in Ontario, with a particular focus on the intersections between immigration matters and the criminal justice system (“crimmigration”). Representation is before the Immigration and Refugee Board, the Federal Courts and in applications to the Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This position works in collaboration with other multidisciplinary staff at the RLO, provides mentorship as required to the private bar, and supports strategic litigation priorities related to immigration.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about advocating for persons with precarious immigration status, and are particularly interested in candidates with experience in and an interest in “crimmigration”. The ideal candidate is able to work co-operatively with other staff in a high pressure but supportive team based environment. The individual should demonstrate empathy towards, and a commitment to, immigrants and refugees, and be able to assume a varied and complex litigation caseload. This is a full time, 2 year contract position, with the possibility of it being extended to 3 years.

Services are currently being provided both virtually and on site, with minimal "on-site" supervision. Presently most tribunal appearances are virtual; however, in-person appearances may also be necessary. In-person appearances may also be required at the Federal Court. At times it may be necessary to meet with clients in person at provincial jails and/or an Immigration Holding Centre. Flexibility is required based on operational needs.

Home Position: Toronto
Secondary Position: Not applicable

Reporting to: Manager, Refugee Law Office, Toronto

Key accountabilities

• Representing clients before the IRB;
• Representing clients before the Federal Courts;
• Representing clients in applications to IRCC and CBSA;
• Providing mentorship to RLO lawyers and paralegals, and private bar lawyers as required, in particular on matters related to “crimmigration”;
• Assisting with the supervision of non-lawyer staff on casework;
• Participating in legal education and test case initiatives related to immigration matters;
• Participating in data collecting, docketing, and producing reports, as required; and
• Performing other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

• Experience representing clients before courts and tribunals is required
• Knowledge of Canadian immigration and refugee law is required
• Experience representing clients in matters involving the intersection of immigration and the criminal justice system strongly preferred
• Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
• Training and mentorship experience in a legal setting an asset
• 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.

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.

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Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.