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

The Legal Aid Worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of criminal law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for clients, providing legal information, making referrals to services and resources, and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: Thunder Bay District Office
Secondary/Tertiary Location: Not Applicable

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services, North District

Key accountabilities

Legal Aid Workers assist lawyers and paralegals with criminal law court proceedings with an emphasis on resolving matters as set out below.

General

• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria.
• Triage and interview clients to:

o Gather information about the client’s case;
o Assess client need, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate LAO service for the client;
o Prepare them to have a productive meeting with duty counsel;
o Assist in case management procedures.

• Provide basic information about the law, forms, and court process

• Provide referrals to other internal and external programs and resources

• Perform searches and commission affidavits of clients, as appropriate

• Prepare reports and submit accounts/dockets, as required, in accordance with LAO policies

• Assist with training/onboarding colleagues and per diems

• Participate in working groups, pilots and LAO initiatives

• Stakeholder engagement and public legal education

• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned

Criminal Law

• Speak to routine administrative matters in court (e.g. adjournments in Case Management Court and Video Remand Court)
• Assist with bail planning, including by interviewing potential sureties and making referrals to bail programs and other supports
• Assist with file management, and record keeping, including requesting and organizing disclosure and timely creation and maintenance of electronic duty counsel worksheets in Service Integration (SI)
• Assist with scheduling and filing materials for court
• Other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

• Knowledge of Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency

• Familiarity with basic criminal law procedure and legislation

• Knowledge of criminal court processes and practice directions for courts serviced by duty counsel

• Prior legal worker experience in criminal law is an asset

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders

• Understanding of solicitor-client privilege and duty to maintain client confidentiality

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent word processing skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe, Zoom and Teams

• Familiarity and competence with client and file management systems, including PeopleSoft, Service Integration (SI), Legal Files, and Case Center is an asset

• Ability to perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, organizing materials

• Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the deliver of client service

• Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the justice system

• Ability to travel within the district to other court locations and institutions may be required.

• Communication skills in languages other than English is an asset

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 and Short-Term Disability (STD) 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.

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: 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.