Paralegal (12months)

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 2, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Contract
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Apply by: Oct 30, 2026
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Entry level

Job summary

Interview people in immigration detention to assess their legal needs, provide summary legal advice, assist with Legal Aid applications, and represent clients before Immigration and Refugee Board divisions. Under lawyer supervision, assist with immigration applications and removal deferrals, and contribute to legal education, test cases, data collection, docketing, and reporting.

Job details

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 will interview persons in immigration detention in and around Toronto, provide summary legal advice and legal representation, before all Divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board and under the supervision of a lawyer, in applications to IRCC and CBSA. This position works in collaboration with other multidisciplinary staff at the RLO – Detention team. This position will primarily be focused on assisting individuals who are detained at the Immigration Holding Centre (IHC) in Toronto. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about advocating for persons in detention with precarious immigration status. The ideal candidate is able to work co-operatively with other staff in a high pressure but supportive team based environment. The individual should demonstrate empathy towards, and a commitment to, immigrants and refugees, and be able to assume a varied and complex immigration caseload. Services are currently being provided both virtually and on site, with minimal "on-site “supervision. Several times a week, it may be necessary to meet with clients in person at the Immigration Holding Centre. Flexibility is required based on operational needs. Home Position: Refugee Law Office – Detention Secondary/Tertiary locations can include: Immigration Holding Centre in Toronto and/or other provincial jails Reports to: RLO Detention Manager This position is subject to the current LAO in-office work policy. The successful candidate must be able to commute to the office and/or the IHC and work in person on a full time basis Key accountabilities Interviewing detainees at the IHC to determine their legal needs Providing summary legal advice; Assisting detainees with applications for various LAO certificates Representing clients in matters before all divisions of the IRB; Representing clients in PRRAs, H&Cs and deferrals of removal and in other applications to CBSA and/or the IRCC under the supervision of a lawyer; Participating in legal education and test case initiatives; Participating in data collecting, docketing, and producing reports, as required; and Performing other duties as assigned Required Skills & Experience Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario; Demonstrated commitment to assisting vulnerable persons with precarious immigration status and related experiences of marginalization, including those with mental health and addiction challenges, and involvement with Canada’s criminal justice system; and Sensitivity and understanding towards those with mental health and addictions challenges Preferred Skills & Experience Experience working as an advocate in a legal setting; Experience representing persons before a court or tribunal an asset; Experience working with and advocating on behalf of persons with precarious immigration status an asset; Experience working with persons in detention an asset; Knowledge of immigration and refugee law systems in Canada an asset; Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset; Ability to communicate in languages other than English is an asset; and Knowledge of word processing and videoconferencing technologies, including MS Teams, Word, and Adobe PDF 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, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) 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 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. 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 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.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Applicants must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario and demonstrate commitment to supporting vulnerable people with precarious immigration status, including those facing mental health, addiction, and criminal justice challenges. Advocacy or tribunal experience, knowledge of Canadian immigration and refugee law, detention experience, relevant lived experience, additional languages, and familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Word, and Adobe PDF are assets.

Benefits

• Dental Insurance • Health Insurance • Life Insurance • Accidental Death And Dismemberment Insurance • Short-Term Disability Coverage • Long-Term Disability Coverage • Paid Vacation • Paid Illness Days • Discretionary Days • Statutory Holidays • Pension Plan