Staff Lawyer

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Union: The Society Job Number: J0326-0922 Job Title: Staff Lawyer Job Type: Permanent Full Time City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Location: Toronto Job Category: Legal Job Level: SL Open Positions: 1 Posting Date: April 6, 2026 Closing Date: April 17, 2026 Salary: $95,678.79 - $163,502.20 /Year

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.

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.

Primary function

To provide legal representation and advice to immigrants and refugee, in and around Toronto, before all Divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board, in applications to IRCC and CBSA, as well as at the Federal Courts. We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively with other staff in a high pressure, but team based, environment. This person should also demonstrate empathy towards and a commitment to immigrants and refugees, must be able to “hit the ground running” and assume carriage of a varied and complex caseload.

Home location: Provincial office - Toronto
Secondary location: N/A

Reports to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

•Representing clients before all divisions of the IRB.
•Representing clients in applications to IRCC and CBSA, such as PRRA’s, H&C’s and deferrals.
•Representation before the Federal Courts, including in complex appellate level litigation and stay motions.
•Providing mentorship to junior lawyers, non-lawyer staff, and members of the private bar when appropriate.
•Participating in public legal educational initiatives.
•Maintaining accurate and up to date client file records in accordance with LAO and LSO policies and by-laws.
•Assisting RLO-Toronto Management when appropriate.
•Performing other duties as assigned.

Required skills & experience

•Must be member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
•Must have experience providing representation in complex refugee and immigration law cases, including in appellate level matters
•Demonstrated ability to work with clients with significant vulnerabilities
•Experience mentoring junior counsel, non-lawyer staff and students
•Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast-paced environment while also
demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders