Legal Counsel - Toronto, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

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

As ERO functions alongside and in an integrated manner with the Litigation and Regulatory Affairs ("LRA") team in GCO, Legal Counsel will participate in LRA team meetings and may also be tasked with providing advice to the Corporation, particularly in the area of legal and financial eligibility, or in other areas of expertise.

Home location:
General Counsel Office, Provincial Office

Secondary/tertiary locations:
not applicable

Reports to:
Lawyer Manager, Eligibility Review Office

Key accountabilities

Conducting reviews of firstinstance decisions made by Centralized Services and the Internal Review Committee, with a primary focus on criminal matters.
Drafting clear, concise, and accurate written reasons for decision in keeping with LAO policy and pursuant to LASA and the Rules.
Supporting the Lawyer Manager in providing guidance and direction to ERO staff regarding daytoday operations.
Liaising with other departments regarding eligibility matters.
Writing legal memoranda and other legal documents, as assigned.
Advising LAO on a range of legal matters, as assigned.
Participating in and/or leading corporatewide projects, as assigned.
Providing direction and guidance to support staff.
Other duties as assigned.

Required skills & experience

Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
Excellent reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills
Knowledge of jurisprudence in the areas of criminal law, family law, child protection law, administrative law and immigration/refugee law
In depth knowledge of LAO's financial eligibility and legal coverage policies and procedures
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fastpaced environment with high volumes and strict service level commitments
Comfort working both independently and in a collaborative team environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with clients, lawyers, LAO staff, and other agencies
Indepth understanding of LAO's range of services
Sound judgment and attention to detail

Assets:

Knowledge of additional areas of practice, such as employment law, human rights or business law
Experience directing the work of others
Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft, Excel, Word and Adobe
Ability to conduct legal research
French language ability, both written and verbal

This position is represented by the Society 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.

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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.