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

Reporting to the Provincial Case Management Office (PCMO) Manager, the Case Manager will be required to monitor quality, control costs and set budgets for the defence of Legal Aid Ontario’s most complex, high-cost, high-jeopardy and high-risk criminal cases.

The individual is also responsible for assessing and making decisions as to the merit of appeal applications and prerogative remedy authorizations for criminal, Ontario Review Board (ORB), mental health and prison law applications.

Home Location: Toronto Provincial Office
Secondary Location: n/a

Reporting to: Lawyer Manager, Provincial Case Management Office

Key accountabilities

• Analyze defence strategies in criminal law cases, negotiate, determine and/or recommend budgets for high-risk, high-cost criminal cases to LAO’s Executive Management and oversee the approval process
• Full responsibility for acting as a case manager including providing feedback, advice and resources to lawyers when required and monitoring the progress of cases
• Review opinions from certificate counsel on the merit of appeals and make recommendations on certificate issuance based on established policies in consultation with internal and/or external subject matter experts
• Prepare summaries to internal and external experts where necessary to support the merit decision-making process
• Track and report key metrics to ensure the programs are effective, efficient and high quality
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high standards are set for establishing and achieving expected results
• Implement new or improved processes, technologies and/or approaches to the delivery of the BCM, Protocol and Mid-level case management programs
• Provide input to panel management at LAO
• Attend court to monitor cases as required
• Assist with policy analysis and provide subject matter expertise on multiple projects
• Other duties as required

Required skills & experience

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

• Criminal law trial experience

• Substantial knowledge of appellate jurisprudence in criminal law, mental health law and prison law.

• Sound knowledge and experience applying the Legal Aid Services Act and its regulations, the Legal Aid Tariff, the Tariff and Billing Handbook, BCM program, mid-level case management, PCU and related LAO policies and procedures

• Solid understanding of criminal law and its related statutes, evidence law and criminal procedure

• Superior written and verbal communication skills

• Superior, demonstrated collaborative skills

• Analytic and strategic skills

• Able to manage uncertainty, to identify and prioritize information and to make fast judgement calls

• Able to quickly and accurately process and simplify complex information

• Able to make difficult decisions while maintaining positive relationships

• Able to balance competing stakeholder interests and demands within financial constraints

• Adaptable, able to respond to shifting deadlines and competing priorities

• Self-Management, able to work independently, able to maintain composure and equilibrium, work effectively and remain objective when dealing with distressing facts

• Diplomatic and discreet

• A high public service ethic

• Word, Outlook, Excel, PeopleSoft and/or Portal proficiency

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience managing financial and administrative functions with experience in financial analysis

• Experience in the area of criminal law

• Knowledge in the areas of mental health law and prison law

• Understanding of LAO’s panel management processes

• District Area Office knowledge or experience

• Experience communicating with governmental and agency stakeholders

• Mediation and negotiation training or experience

• French proficiency is considered an asset

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 wellbeing.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance and Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage. Legal Aid Ontario also offers a personal spending account which is an allotment of funds geared to supporting your mental, physical and financial well-being.

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.
Employees are eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

How to apply?

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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 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.