About DCAC

Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic Inc. (DCAC) helps people across Canada pursue disability benefits when illness or injury prevents them from working. With more than 28 years of experience, our team brings together legal, case management and administrative professionals committed to compassionate service and effective advocacy.

We are seeking a junior lawyer to join our remote team. This position suits a newly called or early-career lawyer who enjoys legal research, persuasive writing and helping clients navigate complex circumstances.

Position overview

The Junior Lawyer manages assigned disability benefits matters, primarily Canada Pension Plan disability applications and appeals before the Social Security Tribunal of Canada.

Working under the guidance of the Legal Team Lead, you will assess evidence, develop legal arguments, prepare submissions and support clients through the appeal process. File responsibility and hearing work will increase as your skills and experience develop.

Key responsibilities

File assessment and legal research

- Review benefit decisions, medical records, employment histories and client statements.
- Identify relevant legal issues, evidentiary gaps and appeal deadlines.
- Research legislation, case law and tribunal decisions.
- Develop case strategies and recommendations with the Legal Team Lead.

Written and oral advocacy

- Prepare explicit, persuasive submissions, correspondence and appeal materials.
- Connect medical and functional evidence to the applicable legal criteria.
- Prepare clients and witnesses for hearings.
- Represent clients at remote tribunal hearings, as appropriate to your experience and authorization to practise.
- Explain decisions and available next steps to clients.

Client service and file management

- Communicate with clients by telephone, video meeting and secure electronic correspondence.
- Explain legal processes in plain language and respond sensitively to clients experiencing illness, financial pressure or distress.




- Coordinate evidence gathering with case managers, administrative staff and medical providers.
- Maintain accurate electronic records, monitor deadlines and provide timely progress updates.
- Manage assigned files efficiently while maintaining the quality of legal work.

Teamwork and professional practice

- Participate in regular supervision, file reviews and team meetings.
- Seek guidance promptly when legal, ethical or procedural concerns arise.
- Follow professional obligations and DCAC procedures for confidentiality, conflicts, information security and client service.
- Contribute to improvements in templates, legal resources and workflows.

Qualifications

Required

- A Canadian law degree or recognized equivalent.
- Membership in good standing with your provincial law society, or eligibility for admission before starting.
- Approximately 0–3 years of legal practice experience; newly called lawyers are encouraged to apply.
- Strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills.
- Excellent organization, attention to detail and deadline management.
- Clear, compassionate communication and sound professional judgment.
- Ability to work independently, accept feedback and collaborate remotely.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and electronic document management.

Assets

- Experience in administrative law, disability benefits or tribunal proceedings.
- Experience interpreting medical evidence.
- Experience working with clients with disabilities.
- French-language proficiency.

Previous CPP disability experience is an asset but is not essential.

Remote working requirements

- Reside and work within Canada.




- Maintain a private workspace suitable for confidential client conversations and secure document handling.
- Have reliable internet capable of supporting video meetings and remote hearings.
- Be available during agreed working hours, including scheduled client appointments, supervision and team meetings.
- Meet tribunal schedules and filing deadlines across relevant time zones.
- Use DCAC-approved systems and follow remote access and information security procedures.

Training and supervision

The Junior Lawyer will receive orientation to DCAC’s processes, disability benefits work and file management systems. The Legal Team Lead will provide supervision, feedback and review appropriate to the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of assigned matters.

What success looks like

- Accurate, well-supported submissions that address the relevant legal criteria.
- Consistent compliance with appeal deadlines and filing requirements.
- Clear communication that helps clients understand their cases and next steps.
- Complete, current electronic files and reliable progress reporting.
- Effective collaboration and timely escalation of concerns.
- Increasing independence and sound judgment as experience develops.

How to apply

Apply through Indeed with your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in disability advocacy. Please include your province of residence, law society admission status, preferred weekly hours and availability to start.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide a legal writing sample with confidential information removed.

DCAC welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Wellness program

Work Location: Remote

📌 Junior Lawyer (Canada)
🏢 Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic / CDRI
📍 Canada