2025/26 Articling Student - Criminal & Family

Are you going to law school so you can work within the fields of social justice or public interest and make a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (“LAO”) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.

LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers – a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.

Home location: Kenora
Secondary/tertiary locations: Fort Frances, Dryden, Ignace, Red Lake

Compensation: $72,149.57 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.
Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2025-26
Assignment: 10 month contract, start date will be summer 2025

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Examples of the type of work that our students are exposed to include the following:

Duty counsel services in criminal court: interview clients and sureties, draft surety declarations, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, conduct guilty pleas, assist with case management courts, conduct legal research, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.

Duty counsel services in family court: interview and help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, conduct legal research, prepare summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations, assist with client meetings, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.

Family staff lawyer: help staff lawyer with interviewing clients, drafting applications, affidavits and motions, conduct legal research, prepare summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations, assist with client meetings, file management, reporting, referrals, and other duties as assigned.

- Eligible to undertake articles in Ontario
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work.
- Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
- Solid understanding of the mission of Legal Aid Ontario.
- Understanding of LAO’s client communities and excellent client service to vulnerable populations
- Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and video platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
- Fluency in both English and French is an asset.
- Access to vehicle and travel to secondary and tertiary locations.

How to apply:

- Apply through http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).

- To apply submit: A cover letter, résumé, law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable), and 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.

- Candidates must apply by February 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST

- Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email/phone

If you are interested in more than one location, you need to apply to each location/posting and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals 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 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 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: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.