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 workplace consider this opportunity below.

Primary function
Are you going to law school so you can work within the fields of social justice or public interest and make a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.

LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers – a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.

Home location: Chatham Courthouse (425 Grand Avenue West)

Secondary/tertiary locations: N/A

Compensation: $78,265.25 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.

Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2027-28

Assignment: 10-month placement, expected start date will be in July 2027

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

This position is 100% onsite at the locations listed above. The successful candidate(s) must be able to commute to the office(s) and work in person on a full-time basis.

Key accountabilities
Examples of the type of work that our students are exposed to include the following:

Duty counsel services in criminal court: interview accused, contact and verify sureties, conduct surety interviews, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, facilitate interviews for duty counsel, conduct guilty plea interviews, and assist with set-date court.

Duty counsel services in family court:



help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations and assist with client meetings.

Required Skills & Experience

Eligible to undertake articles in Ontario

Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work

Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills

Demonstrated interest in criminal and / or family law

Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement

Solid understanding of the mission of Legal Aid Ontario

Understanding of LAO's client communities and excellent client service to vulnerable populations

Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and video platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Access to vehicle and/or travel to secondary and tertiary locations.

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.

Your health and wellness
Our Health And Wellness Program Includes

Dental and health benefits

Basic Life Insurance and Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

An employee assistance program (EAP) that offers professional, confidential counselling services to employees and members of their immediate families. The EAP operates programs that address common life issues such as childcare, smoking, financial difficulty, and more.

Onboarding & training

We offer a 5-day training led by experienced lawyers who are deeply passionate about social justice for all articling students across Ontario in the provincial office in your first week.



The training program typically includes:

Criminal law and family law training emphasizing interactive, experiential learning, including case studies, role-playing, and soft skill development.

A courthouse visit allowed articling students to shadow our lawyers and observe them in action.

Virtual court sessions offered a chance to watch how virtual court operates, followed by guided walkthroughs of the process with our instructors.

Licensing fees

LAO pays 100% of the Law Society licensing fees including: application fee, barrister licensing examination, solicitor licensing examination, articling program/LPP/IPC fee, call to the bar fee.

Vacation

Ten days of paid time off during the articling period in accordance with the LSO requirement

All statutory holidays, and a day of observance for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday

Your career
LAO supports your career development by offering professional development and networking through several programs, including training to support a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), and lunch and learns to build client service skills.

Informal Employee Networks for staff with shared identities to connect, support each other and build professional networks

Law Society of Ontario (LSO) accredited training to support learning and professional development for all employees

EDIB-focused training

Your future
Employees are eligible to enroll in the defined benefit Public Service Pension Plan which provides financial security during retirement.

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.

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

Equity Statement
Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systematic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and

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📌 2027/28 Articling Student - Criminal & Family (Chatham) (Ontario)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Ontario