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
This position provides legal administrative support for all staff at the Refugee Law Office in Ottawa. We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively as part of a team. The successful candidate will be highly organized, have strong attention to detail, and preferably have previous administrative experience in a law office. We are also seeking someone who has a demonstrated empathy towards vulnerable persons, including persons with precarious immigration status.
Home position: Ottawa - Refugee Law Office
Secondary Location: Not Applicable
Services are currently provided both virtually and on site, with minimal "on-site" supervision. Flexibility is required based on operational needs.
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Assists management and staff with intakes, summary legal advice, litigation files, and other office related tasks as required.
- Prepares client files using applicable client management software, including opening and closing files, distributing disclosures, docket and record keeping and reporting.
- Provides administrative support staff at the Refugee Law Office in Ottawa with various
tasks such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or doctor appointments, arranging couriers and process servers, contacting clients and service providers, etc.
- Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of counsel, including compiling documents using PDF software and drafting affidavits.
- Liaises with clients and other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court-based services, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
- Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO management.
Required skills & experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, research skills, and attention to detail.
- This position is a designated bilingual position, candidates must be able to provide services in both English and French.
- Ability to multi-task, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to work well under pressure.
- Proven ability to learn, develop and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures in a changing environment.
- Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook,Excel, and PDF software.
- Previous administrative, law clerk experience or experience in a law office an asset
- Experience in a client service role assisting vulnerable client groups an asset
- Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
- Knowledge to communicate in additional languages is 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 well-being.
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D;) Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.
Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy including vacation days, illness days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.
Employees are eligible to be enrolled to OPSEU Pension Plan, administered by OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust).
How to apply?
Submit a résumé and cover letter. Please clearly set out in your cover letter why you are interested in the Legal Aid Worker position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
This position is represented by OPSEU 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.
Note: If a permanent employee, currently represented by OPSEU, is the successful candidate for this chance, they will return to their home position at the conclusion of this assignment, if the position continues to exist.
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-(phone hidden) or email support:
[email protected].
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.
📌 Bilingual Legal Aid Worker (6 months) (Ottawa)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Ottawa