Legal Aid Worker

This position is responsible for direct litigation support to criminal staff lawyers and Senior Counsel who represent hard-to-serve clients. It includes file management (opening and closing files, docketing); communication with clients, criminal court staff and stakeholders; the preparation of procedural criminal court documents under the direct supervision of a criminal lawyers across the Senior Counsel Program. The incumbent will work in a dynamic and interesting environment. An ability to work closely with litigation lawyers in a sometimes intense atmosphere is important.

Home Location: Province Wide - Local District Office
Secondary Location: Toronto Provincial Office

Reporting to Manager, Operations - Senior Counsel Program

• Perform client file management including opening and closing files, maintaining a tickler system, record keeping, preparing and reviewing correspondence with clients, requesting disclosure, docketing, booking conference calls and jail visits with clients, preparing trial briefs
• Liaise with court staff; request transcripts, schedule CPT's, request court information's
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court based services, to ensure seamless client service
• Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis
• Reconcile Invoices, MasterCard statements and monthly expenses within PeopleSoft
• Transcribe Audio/Video Disclosure
• Preparation of litigation materials such as off-record applications and affidavits under the supervision of counsel
• Prepare and compile information for the quarterly MAG report
• Assist with the continued Legal Files rollout within the Senior Counsel Program
• Ordering Supplies, archiving of closed files
• Any other responsibilities as required

• Resiliency, solution-oriented, possessing a calm temperament; adaptability to working well in a constantly changing environment;
• Ability to take initiative, work with limited instruction, identify problems and suggest and implement feasible solutions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients and lawyers with the proven ability to exercise judgement when encountering stressful situations
• Possess in-depth experience supporting criminal counsel
• Aptitude and willingness to work effectively with and be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable clients, particularly clients with mental health issues, survivors of domestic abuse, clients from marginalized communities and clients who have concurrent immigration and/or criminal law matters
• Possess significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality;
• Must have competent computer skills and knowledge of the Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Legal Files and PeopleSoft;
• French language skills (or a second language) would be an asset; and
• Diploma or certificate in law practice or law clerking would be an asset

To apply submit a résumé and cover letter. 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.

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.

First Preference will be given to current members of the OPSEU District Collective Agreement.

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.

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Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.