Are you passionate about social justice? Do you have a diverse set of skills that you want to utilize to improve the lives of others in your community?

The Peterborough Community Legal

Centre (PCLC) is a general service community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario. We have been providing free clinic-law services to the City and County of Peterborough since 1989. PCLC is uniquely positioned to provide legal services to low-income residents in our community.

Through legal advice and representation, PCLC provides improved individual access to income security, housing, employment and related needs. PCLC advocates systemic reform to promote social and economic justice and human dignity. Our services are independent, community-based, confidential, and free.

As soon as possible

10-month fixed-term contract, with possibility of renewal, three months probationary period

Full-time (35 hours/week)

After the three months probationary period, vacation entitlement (at the rate of 15 days/year pro-rated to the term of contract) and group health and dental benefits.

In office / in-person, downtown Peterborough/Nogojiwanong. Small, fast-paced office with frequent walk-ins and often high stress situations. We are seeking a junior to mid-level lawyer to join our team for a 10-month contract position with possibility of renewal.

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to social justice values and working with a diverse range of clients in receipt of low, fixed incomes and/or otherwise marginalized in a trauma-informed setting. The successful candidate will be providing Tenant Duty Counsel (TDC) services, summary advice, brief services, referrals, advocacy for clients and representation at all levels of tribunals and court, primarily in areas of housing and social assistance law.



They will also be actively involved in community outreach, public legal education and law reform initiatives.

Membership in valuable standing with the Law Society of Ontario

- Strong legal and advocacy skills, written and oral communication skills – must be able to work effectively with vulnerable clients, colleagues across various professional networks
- Demonstrated experience representing clients in Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) appeals before the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)
- Ability to work as a team player in a small office
- Ability to handle a full caseload, meet tight deadlines, maintain accuracy and attention to detail with minimal supervision
- Must be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine, unless requesting an exemption and accommodation in accordance with the Human Rights Code.

The following are considered an asset: Familiarity with worker-side provincial employment law, especially the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s Human Rights Code, and the common law of wrongful dismissal

- Previous experience in a community legal clinic or a similar setting, experience in a relevant law practice
- Excellent computer proficiency including knowledge of spread sheets, data management programs
- Ability to communicate and represent in French and English is also an asset. Opportunity to be part of systemic legal reform initiatives
- Training on a range of legal and social justice related topics
- Professional networking within the legal clinic system via regional conferences and other opportunities
- PCLC is strongly committed to upholding values of diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds, people who are members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity and from people with disabilities.

📌 Contract Lawyer (Resume Deadline: Friday, September 4th, 2026 at 5 pm) (Lanark County)
🏢 Peterborough Community Legal Centre
📍 Lanark County