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.
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.
Primary function
This position will contribute to the achievement of key departmental priorities by providing proactive and professional support to the General Counsel Office (GCO). This is an opportunity to work in a fast-paced and dynamic legal department. You will provide law clerk, administrative, contract and research support and manage diverse tasks in the areas of civil litigation and commercial/corporate and administrative law. You will also be responsible for organizing and maintaining the legal department’s workflow, for example, managing GCO’s file “triage” system to ensure our internal clients receive timely and high quality services.
Primary Location: Toronto Provincial Office
Secondary Locations: N/A
Reports to: Manager, Business Services, General Counsel Office
Key accountabilities
- Prepare, review, circulate and assist GCO staff in the preparation, review and circulation of court documents, contracts, procurement-related documents, presentations, and other legal and business documents and materials.
- Draft and respond to internal and external correspondence.
- Process execution of documents including detailed review of documents prior to signing; arrange for execution of written agreements by appropriate signing authorities including without limitation through electronic signature solutions used by LAO.
- Conduct and analyze, and assist GCO staff in conducting and analyzing legal and other research.
- Conduct due diligence searches, including corporate profiles and title searches.
- Create, update, and manage, and assist GCO staff in creating, updating, and managing templates, forms, policies; and instruct and work with lawyers and clients regarding the templates.
- Organize, manage and maintain GCO files (pleadings, contracts, research memos, business notes, correspondence, email, etc.).
- Organize and co-ordinate proceedings and court appearances, conferences and courses.
- Co-ordinate and arrange in-person, virtual and teleconference meetings, developing agendas as requested.
- Manage calendars and incoming emails for litigation counsel.
- Communicate with, work with, and respond to enquiries from the board, clients, and other staff members, members of the legal profession, the public, stakeholders, and the court (including court administration officials) as required.
- Identify, confirm and manage limitation periods for claims, court filing deadlines and contract dates, and maintain tickler system.
- Assist in developing or improving processes and best practices for the department.
- Compile litigation, collections and other department reports for review by General Counsel.
- Act as support and back-up to the Business Law Clerk and the Executive Assistant.
- Perform other GCO administrative staff as directed.
Required skills & experience
- Relevant university degree or community college accreditation or a skills/experience equivalency acquired through previous law clerk training or experience.
- At least two years experience as a litigation law clerk.
- Knowledge of court administration practices and procedures, and relevant federal and provincial statutes to provide specialized administrative and research services to lawyers.
- Experience with court document preparation.
- Experience with filing electronic court pleadings and with electronic hearing attendance.
- Strong knowledge of legal formats, style, terminology and phraseology to accurately prepare complex legal documents from precedents or information provided by lawyers.
- Detail- and process- oriented, highly organized.
- Demonstrated customer service skills coupled with excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with courtesy and tact.
- Excellent administrative skills for the effective handling of priorities and stringent timelines.
- Ability to handle large volume of different files in an organized manner.
- Flexibility to respond to changing priorities and multiple demands in a fast paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently with limited supervision.
- Proficiency utilizing a variety of software programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel), Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign, and databases (PeopleSoft knowledge is an asset).
- Ability to work closely with a team.
- French language skills, both oral and written, are an asset.
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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: [email protected].
