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 examining the requests for discretion and settling accounts submitted on lawyer accounts and authorizing payments in accordance with the Legal Aid Services Rules and schedules, and the Tariff and Billing Handbook as well as entering paper accounts and processing incoming correspondence.

Home Location: Provincial Office - Toronto
Other Locations: N/A

Reporting to: Regional Lawyer Manager

Key accountabilities

• Process account payments, including making decisions on discretion requests and disbursements within established timeframes and quotas.
• Prepare discretion worksheets beyond predetermined threshold or complexity and refer to staff lawyers.
• Process account recoveries on previously paid accounts.
• Respond to internal and external correspondence relating to discretion requests. Update purchase orders as required to facilitate payment of accounts.
• Maintain accurate records of settled accounts within PeopleSoft.
• Assist with resolution of lawyers’ concerns regarding billing and settlement of accounts. Data entry of accounts and processing of incoming correspondence.
• Provides back up support across the department, including the Lawyer Service Centre, from time to time;
• Training will be provided.

Required skills & experience

• Completion of a business/accounting program and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience acquired through past work experience.

• Knowledge of LAO office and administrative procedures complemented by background knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act 2020, and the Legal Aid Service Rules and Schedules (the tariff).

• Knowledge of court and tribunal processes acquired through experience or learning (e.g. law clerk, certified paralegal, legal worker).

• Customer service/interpersonal skills to effectively and efficiently respond to queries from lawyers. Understanding of LAO's account payment processes.

• Basic mathematical skills involving simple equations such as calculating ratios or percentages. - Decision making skills to deal with variations from established Legal Aid tariff guidelines.

• Time management skills and attention to detail (careful review of accounts).

• Computer skills necessary to use software applications (Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft) for word processing, setting up and formatting reports, and analyzing data using spreadsheets.

This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 525

and, therefore, union dues will be deducted bi-weekly.

To apply submit a covering letter & résumé in a single document. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
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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.