Manager, Legal Services

LAO is seeking a lawyer manager to oversee criminal duty counsel services in Hamilton. Reporting to the Director General in the Central West District, this position is responsible for managing staff and per diems, developing and implementing new services, liaising with stakeholders, managing budgets, and supporting the Director General and management team with strategic analysis.

Location: Hamilton is the home location. Travel is expected within the Central West District.

• Team Management and Leadership: Lead and support a diverse team of legal professionals, including lawyers, legal aid workers, and articling/law students. Manage workload allocation and HR responsibilities in a unionized environment, including performance evaluations, goal setting, training, and professional development to ensure high standards of client service and adherence to LAO policies.

• Service Delivery and Innovation: Oversee the administration and delivery of legal services within LAO’s Duty Counsel Program, ensuring alignment with LAO’s mandate and strategic goals. Develop and implement innovative service delivery processes to improve efficiency and client outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key liaison between LAO and external stakeholders, including the judiciary, Ministry of the Attorney General, private bar, and community organizations. Represent LAO at local courthouse committee meetings, conferences, and consultation groups to promote collaboration and address community needs.

• Strategic Analysis and Advice: Provide strategic analysis and advice to the Director General and management team on legal service delivery, resource allocation, and program development. Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives to enhance service quality and accessibility.

• Operational Oversight: Manage health and safety requirements and budgets (operations and per diem), ensuring financial accountability and compliance with LAO policies and procedures. Prepare reports, statistical analyses, and presentations to identify trends and inform decision-making.

• Legal Qualifications: A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) candidate is required. Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario. Experience in Criminal law is an asset. Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency is required.

• Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, foster a positive work culture, and manage complex projects. Prior management experience, including supervising staff in a unionized environment is an asset.

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are required. Ability to communicate in both French and English is an asset.

• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Client Service: Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the delivery of legal services. Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the justice system.

• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, Excel, Zoom, Teams, and other office applications. Familiarity and competence with client and file management systems, including Peoplesoft, is considered an asset.


To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

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