Legal Aid Worker

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 is primarily responsible for providing direct client service in the London District Office. These responsibilities would include, however not limited to, providing general legal information, liaising with stakeholders, referring clients to appropriate services and resources, answering phones, faxes and emails, assisting clients at the front counter, completing LAO status checks, assisting with LAO settlement conferences and general administrative support at the office. Another key responsibility of this role is to assist the Sarnia Duty Counsel office as needed. Assistance would mainly be carried out remotely, (however some in person may be required) by answering phones, monitoring general emails, opening worksheets, uploading disclosure, responding to client inquiries, scheduling client appointments, conflict checking, opening of Family EDC files and drafting of some family court documents under the supervision of a lawyer. The LAW will work under the direct supervision of a supervisor and carry out tasks related to district operations which includes providing directors, managers, supervisor and staff lawyers with the details of the client’s legal matter. The position will also provide remote coverage to other West locations, as needed. Home Location: London District Office Secondary/Tertiary Locations: Sarnia Courthouse Reporting to: District Office Supervisor Key accountabilities Administrative support for DO phones, general emails, faxes and front counter by providing general information, including procedural legal information by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries from lawyers, clients and other stakeholders Coordinate Settlement Conferences, including scheduling virtual meetings via Teams, file preparation, supporting LAO facilitator, acting as moderator during the meeting and providing technical support to the participants. Assist duty counsel operations with scheduling of client appointments, conflict checks, completing initial client intakes, gathering information about client cases, uploading disclosure, record keeping, administering of financial and legal eligibility tests for both DC and certificate services. Provide remote coverage to other West locations to support duty counsel operations Opening of Family EDC files and drafting of some family court documents, under the supervision of a lawyer Coordinate decision making with other LAO departments, such as CLSC, Investigations, CML, etc. Support roster management within the district; review and report any issues to the Directors. Outreach work with stakeholders, including clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand service coordination opportunities Process legal aid applications Provide feedback to the Director on significant trends in certificate management with respect to legal and financial issues Perform other duties as required Required Skills & Experience Advanced writing skills Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft Strong interpersonal, communication and interview skills Solid understanding of processes, rules and practice directions for all levels of court; Knowledge of relevant legislation; Detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application rules and procedures, including eligibility review process, legal and financial eligibility criteria, and LAO policies and practices. Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, districts and offices. Ability to communicate in written and oral French is considered 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 wellbeing. We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance and Short-Term Disability (STD) 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. 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 1-877-427-7717 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.

Provide direct client service and administrative support at the London District Office, including managing inquiries and coordinating settlement conferences. Assist duty counsel operations remotely and in-person through intake, file management, and drafting court documents.

Requires advanced writing skills, proficiency in PeopleSoft, and a solid understanding of court rules and legal aid eligibility procedures. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

• Dental Insurance • Health Insurance • Life Insurance • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance • Short-Term Disability Coverage • Paid Vacation Days • Illness Days • Discretionary Days • Statutory Holidays • Opseu Pension Plan

Relevées dans la description du poste. Confirmez les exigences importantes ci-dessus.

• Advanced Writing
• PeopleSoft
• Interpersonal Communication
• Interviewing Skills
• Court Processes Knowledge
• Legal Legislation Knowledge
• Legal Aid Application Rules
• Eligibility Review
• Collaborative Work
• French Language

• Legal
• Social Services
• Administrative
• Government & Public Sector
• Customer Service & Support

Expérience minimale

0+ ans

Postuler avant le

24 sept. 2026

Langue de l’offre

anglais

Heures de travail

40 heures par semaine

Niveau d’expérience

Entry level