Legal Counsel

Union: Non-Union

Job Number: J0523-0378

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Role Designation:

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: May 8, 2023

Closing Date: May 22, 2023

Salary: $85,439.00 - $146,004.00/Year

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 Legal Counsel in LAO’s General Counsel Office (GCO) the successful candidate will join GCO’s Litigation and Regulatory Affairs (LRA) team, comprised of senior counsel and legal counsel, in delivering advice and representation to LAO in a wide range of matters including: litigation brought by and against LAO in various courts and tribunals; roster management proceedings; professional responsibility and ethics matters; investigations matters; lien matters; interpretation and application of LASA 2020, the Rules and Policies; drafting and revision of Rules and Policies where appropriate; supporting consultation and external engagement under LASA 2020 and LAO’s Public Consultation Policy when LAO is proposing changes to Rules or Policies; legal compliance related to all applicable statutes and government directives; responding to queries and requests from all parts of LAO.

Home Location: GCO, Provincial Office - Toronto
Other Locations: Not applicable

Reporting to: Director of Litigation and Regulatory Affairs

Key accountabilities

• Prepare and provide strategic legal advice to the organization
• Carriage of and support for litigation files, including developing litigation strategies, legal research and drafting, reviewing pleadings, supporting mediation and settlement discussions; representing LAO before courts and tribunals; and providing instructions to external counsel
• Support GCO in its responsibility for overseeing the development and implementation of Rules and Policies under LASA 2020, including by identifying the need for new or revised rules where appropriate, monitoring compliance with Rules and Policies, and providing advice on the requirements and application of LAO’s Public Consultation Policy
• Provide advice, drafting where required, and recommendations to the Board for approval of and amendments to Rules and Policies
• Support the CEO in their role as Ethics Executive
• Provide legal advice to internal departments

Required skills & experience

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated substantive legal knowledge in the areas of employment law, civil procedure, administrative law, human rights law, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• In depth knowledge of LASA 2020, LAO’s Rules and Policies, financial eligibility and legal coverage policies and procedures, and the Public Service of Ontario Act
• Knowledge of justice sector issues and issues impacting LAO’s clients and service providers
• Practice experience in employment, administrative and human rights law considered an asset
• Practice experience in areas of law where legal aid coverage is provided, including criminal, family, child protection and immigration and refugee law, considered an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent research and legal drafting skills

Sound judgment and strong analytic and problem solving skills

• Ability to identify legal and reputational risk and propose options to address risk, and provide legal and strategic advice to clients
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to take ownership over work assignments, manage competing priorities and work with minimum supervision
• Proficiency in the use of computers, including proficiency with legal software applications, Microsoft suite of programs including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

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 resume 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 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 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.

Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.