Overview 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 the2SLGBTQ+ 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 We are seeking a candidate who can work collaboratively with others in a high-pressure, team-based environment. This position is accountable to the Manager, Investigations. As an investigator, the successful candidate will be responsible for investigating internal and external complaints involving roster members, other service providers, staff and clients. Typical investigations include gathering and analyzing relevant evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing clear and comprehensive investigation reports.

Role context The evidence gathered during the course of these investigations will help ensure Legal Aid Services Act Rules and Policies are followed and that clients are provided effective and high-quality legal aid services throughout the Province of Ontario, in a client-focused and accountable manner while ensuring value for money. The ideal candidate would have prior experience in conducting investigations and be able to contribute effectively early in the role.

Location: Toronto Secondary/Other Location: Not applicable

Reports to: Manager, Investigations

Department description The Investigations Department is responsible for protecting Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) from the misappropriation of assets and resources and for providing strategies to reduce financial and reputational risk to the organization.



The Department is made up of dedicated and hard-working professionals who take pride in their work and are committed to upholding Legal Aid Ontario’s mandate. We foster a team environment that is comfortable, friendly, and open—where collaboration and mutual respect are the foundation of our success. It’s this robust sense of team spirit that drives our collective efforts and makes our workplace both productive and rewarding. The Department also acts as the liaison between LAO and the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).

Key accountabilities

Conduct investigations and prepare detailed investigation reports

Review lawyer account information and billings submitted by respondent lawyers to ensure compliance with the Rules and Policies

Establish and execute investigation plans to manage files through to completion

Interview lawyers, clients, staff, other service providers, and third-party witnesses to ensure that all relevant information is collected during the course of an investigation

Develop criteria and analyze data of varying complexity to identify suspicious patterns indicative of non-compliant behaviour

Prepare investigative reports and findings for Senior Management, criminal court proceedings, tribunals and internal investigations

Liaison with Law enforcement agencies

Testify at internal matters, Law Society of Ontario tribunals and Criminal trials relating to lawyers, other service providers, staff and clients under investigation

Actively participate in Departmental and Organizational projects

Required skills & experience Investigations and Case Management

Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

Minimum of five (5) years of experience practising law in specific areas (criminal, family, or immigration and refugee law) and/or working in an investigative or regulatory function

A minimum of five (5) years of experience independently managing investigation files, preferably in a law office or accounting environment

Experience investigating serious matters, including professional misconduct (including allegations of sexual improprieties), billing issues, conduct unbecoming, competence concerns, licensing issues, capacity matters, and unauthorized practice

Demonstrated experience preparing investigation reports and case plans, determining investigation strategies, identifying required evidence, and independently conducting investigations in accordance with established plans, including identifying risk and performing ongoing analysis

Experience with conducting Request for Reconsiderations is preferred

Investigation experience gained through work in law enforcement or within a legal, government, and/or regulatory environment is preferred

Extensive knowledge of a specialized area of law, such as criminal, family,



and/or immigration and refugee law

Excellent knowledge of court practice and procedure (e.g. criminal, family, child protection, mental health), as well as an understanding of the role and processes of the Immigration and Refugee Board

Excellent interpersonal and communications skills for dealing with the public and members of the legal profession with demonstrated strength in listening, probing, and

Excellent written communication skills, including strong report writing ability

Experience managing documents and data within an electronic database environment

Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of self motivation, strong self discipline, and excellent organizational skills

Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and the Canada Evidence Act

Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing requirements, and meet time sensitive deadlines

Team Relationship
Facilitates the sharing and transfer of knowledge and information within the department and division to enhance team capability and consistency

Contribute to the development of standardized practices, guidelines, and procedures for the proper conduct and resolution of investigation files

Manage a personal caseload while collaborating with team members within the department and with partners across the Audit and Complaints Services Branch to establish, monitor, and continuously improve processes and case management performance metrics

Continuously review policies and procedures, identify opportunities for enhancement, and participate in the development and implementation of assigned policy initiatives related to investigative activities

Alliance Building
Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with government agencies, federal, provincial judicial bodies and law enforcement agencies to facilitate effective information sharing and collaboration

Assets
Associate Membership or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners(ACFE)

Experience with, and knowledge of, open source intelligence concepts, tools, and techniques, as well as structured data analysis

Familiarity with PeopleSoft and Case Management Systems (CMS) such as Case IQ

Ability to communicate effectively in both French and English, orally and in writing

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

What does LAO offer? At LAO, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to enhance employees’ professional and personal well-being, reflecting our values of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging.

Your work-life balance Employees enjoy generous paid time-off including:

a minimum of 17 vacation days at hire

Discretionary days

3 paid days for religious or cultural observances

Statutory holidays and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday

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📌 Investigator (Ontario)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Ontario