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 supporting the Centralized Services department by advancing a client’s legal matter. The Legal Aid Worker (LAW) will assess complex and high-risk cases and will have decision-making authority in immigration and refugee, criminal and family matters. The LAW will review financial and legal information with clients and provide them with procedural information and referrals. The LAW will provide directors, managers and staff lawyers with the details of the client’s legal matter. The LAW will assist with reporting and collecting data as required.

Primary Location: Province Wide
Secondary/Other Locations: N/A

Reporting to: Supervisor, Centralized Services

Key accountabilities

• Review and determine financial eligibility of complex case files, including big case management and family domestic violence.
• Perform certificate file management activities, including amendments and authorizations, change of lawyer review and decision, backdates, certificate extensions, travel requests, bail reviews, preparation of Refugee Appeal Division files for review by staff lawyer, etc.
• Screen client request for reviews, including making entitlement decisions based on LAO’s financial eligibility and policy criteria to determine if a decision can be overturned, additional information is required or the client is out of timelines. If upholding a decision, preparation of the client file for the Eligibility Review Office.
• Prepare Appellate and Prerogative Remedy matters for merit determination by PCMO staff lawyers.
• Coordinate Settlement Conferences, including scheduling virtual meetings via Teams, file preparation, supporting LAO facilitator, acting as moderator during the meeting and providing technical support to the participants.
• Assist in managing mid-level and big case files in co-ordination with other LAO departments; determine financial eligibility for complex matters, as necessary.
• Co-ordinate decision making with other LAO departments, such as Investigations, Complaints, Case Management (PCMO), etc.
• Monitor and action correspondence in the department email boxes.
• Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries from lawyers, clients and other legal system partners, on the status of applications, request for review, appellate review and referrals.
• Support roster management through issues review and escalate issues to management.
• Possess knowledge of contribution agreements, directions, and assignments.
• Outreach work with stakeholders, including clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand service co-ordination opportunities.
• Provide feedback to management on significant trends in certificate management with respect to legal and financial issues.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required skills & experience

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

• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft;

• Solid understanding of processes, rules and practice directions for all levels of court;

• Knowledge of relevant legislation;

• Detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application rules and procedures, including client Request for Review and appellate review processes, legal and financial eligibility criteria, LASA 2020 and LAO policies and practices;

• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Teams would be an asset;

• Must have working knowledge of EZ Docs and SharePoint;

• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, districts and offices;

• Legal Aid Worker experience an asset;

• Ability to communicate in written and oral French is considered a strong asset.

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

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.

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