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

Responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of a Lawyer Manager. The legal worker will be responsible for the initial intake and assessment of family law clients to determine the appropriate service for the clients; providing basic procedural advice to family law clients; preparing and drafting of non-complex family court documents and pleadings, including applications, answers, motions, affidavits and financial statements; providing administrative support; and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: Brampton
Secondary Location: Not applicable

Reports to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Assessment of the clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services;
• Reception and filing responsibilities, including answering a high volume of telephone calls and in-person inquiries;
• Responsible for client files, including interviewing and communicating with clients to gather information about case;
• Drafting and preparation of documents, including motions to change, applications and any other documents required by the Family Law Rules;
• Perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files and other administrative tasks as assigned;

Required skills & experience

• Excellent writing, drafting and communication skills;
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and interview skills, including sound judgment in relating to clients, lawyers and other stakeholders;
• Ability to work well in an office environment, and proven ability to deal effectively with clients on the phone and in-person;
• Good understanding of family court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by duty counsel;
• Experience in working in the family law field;
• Knowledge of relevant family law legislation, including Family Law Act, Child and Family Services Act, Interjurisdictional Support Order Act;
• Understanding and knowledge of legal aid application process, including financial and legal eligibility guidelines and other LAO policies and practices;
• Good working knowledge of Peoplesoft and other computer programs and systems;

familiarity with family law software programs, such as DivorceMate and Legal Files;

• Must have intermediate knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and LAO’s PeopleSoft program;

• Good working knowledge of family law software programs, such as DivorceMate;

• Experience with Legal Files would be an asset.

• Written and oral French language skills are an asset

Organizational Competencies Expected

• Client Focus

• Adaptability and Flexibility

• Personal Motivation and Accountability

• Focus on Quality and Best Practice

• Problem Solving and Judgment

• Organizational Awareness

• Teamwork and Collaboration

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 525 and, therefore, union dues will be deducted bi-weekly.

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 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. 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.
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: 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.