Legal Counsel (12 months)

The Eligibility Review Office (ERO) is an integral part of LAO's General Counsel Office (GCO). The ERO is responsible for considering clients' requests for review of first-instance decisions as required under the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 (LASA) and the Legal Aid Services Rules (Rules). Legal Counsel for ERO is responsible for assisting the Lawyer Manager to review first-instance financial and legal (policy, change of lawyer, merit) eligibility decisions in all areas of law in which LAO provides coverage. Legal Counsel will analyze clients' review requests, apply legal and financial eligibility policies, and prepare written reasons for decision for the Lawyer Manager. They will also assist and provide support to the Lawyer Manager regarding day-to-day operations of the department.

As ERO functions alongside and in an integrated manner with the Litigation and Regulatory Affairs ("LRA") team in GCO, Legal Counsel will participate in LRA team meetings and may also be tasked with providing advice to the Corporation, particularly in the area of legal and financial eligibility, or in other areas of expertise.

Home location: General Counsel Office, Provincial Office
Secondary/tertiary locations: not applicable

Reports to: Lawyer Manager, Eligibility Review Office

• Conducting reviews of first-instance decisions made by Centralized Services and the Internal Review Committee, with a primary focus on criminal matters.
• Drafting clear, concise, and accurate written reasons for decision in keeping with LAO policy and pursuant to LASA and the Rules.
• Supporting the Lawyer Manager in providing guidance and direction to ERO staff regarding day-to-day operations.
• Liaising with other departments regarding eligibility matters.
• Writing legal memoranda and other legal documents, as assigned.
• Advising LAO on a range of legal matters, as assigned.
• Participating in and/or leading corporate-wide projects, as assigned.
• Providing direction and guidance to support staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• In-depth knowledge of the LASA, the Rules, and administrative law principles as they apply to statutory decision-making
• Excellent reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills
• Knowledge of jurisprudence in the areas of criminal law, family law, child protection law, administrative law and immigration/refugee law
• In depth knowledge of LAO's financial eligibility and legal coverage policies and procedures
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment with high volumes and strict service level commitments
• Comfort working both independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with clients, lawyers, LAO staff, and other agencies
• In-depth understanding of LAO's range of services
• Sound judgment and attention to detail
Assets:
• Knowledge of additional areas of practice, such as employment law, human rights or business law
• Experience directing the work of others
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft, Excel, Word and Adobe
• Ability to conduct legal research
• French language ability, both written and verbal

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

This position is represented by the Society 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.

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