Union: OPSEU - District

Job Number: J0625-0860

Job Title: Legal Aid Worker

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration (months): 18 months

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Job Classification: S4U

Role Designation:

LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: July 7, 2025

Closing Date: July 11, 2025

Salary: $55,200.11 - $82,396.92/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.

Primary function

This position is responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of the Manager of Legal Services, Toronto District. The individual selected for this position will be expected to work, as required, at any location in the City of Toronto where criminal law duty counsel services are provided, including the Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto, the Toronto Region Bail Centre and the Toronto South Detention Centre.
The legal worker will meet with criminal law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for the client, the referral to appropriate services and resources, and provide basic procedural advice to criminal law clients and interviewing sureties. The legal worker will also speak to routine administrative matters in court, under the supervision of a lawyer.

Home Location: Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto, 10 Armoury Street, Toronto
Secondary Locations: 2201 Finch Avenue West, Toronto and 160 Horner Avenue, Toronto

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Interview clients under the supervision of a lawyer to: To gather information about the client’s case; Assess client need, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate LAO service for the client and refer to that service; and prepare them to have a productive meeting with a staff lawyer
• Under the supervision of a staff lawyer or manager, interview potential sureties and make referrals to agencies
• Under the supervision of a lawyer, speak to routine administrative matters in court
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain accurate organized electronic client files
• Manage email and voicemail by responding to such communications or directing them to the appropriate colleague
• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria
• Other tasks as assigned

Required skills & experience

Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies;

• Familiarity and competence with basic criminal law processes and procedure

• Familiarity with relevant criminal law;

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

• Ability to speak to routine administrative matters in court

• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria

• Knowledge of Peoplesoft and other computer programs and systems;

• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including video conferencing technology and Smartphones/iPhones;

• Excellent word processing skills;

• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Written and oral French language skills are an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

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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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