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 Staff lawyer will be required to carry family files, provide family duty counsel services, and to provide criminal duty counsel services in Kenora and at satellite courts in the region.

Primary Location: Kenora
Secondary Location: Fort Frances, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services, North District (Kenora)

Key accountabilities

• Act as Duty Counsel
• Provide family and/or criminal law services and representation in the Ontario Court of Justice as required
• Provide family law services as required in the Superior Court of Justice
• Offer Enhanced Duty Counsel Services as required
• Provide summary advice at legal aid clinics as required
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Record data and produce reports as required

Required skills & experience

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant family law legislation and in particular child protection law
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal law legislation
• Previous experience in Family law and/or Criminal law experience is preferred
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work well as a team with other staff lawyers and per diem Duty counsel
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

• Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
• Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues
• Ability to communicate in French and English is an asset
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones;Blackberry’s and iPhone.
• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel,PowerPoint.
• Experience with Access would be an asset.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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.

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.

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 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.