Job Title:
Staff Lawyer Travel Required:
Location:
Toronto- Head Office
Position Type:
Full time
Reports to:
Legal Advocacy Director
Posting Expires:
June 14, 2024
Salary
$102,492 - $123,204
Organizational Overview:
Aboriginal Legal Services, established February 21, 1990, is a recognized leader in developing Indigenous-led justice programming and test-case litigation.
Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) strengthens the capacity of the Aboriginal community and its citizens to deal with justice issues and provide Aboriginal-controlled and culturally based justice alternatives.
Our dedicated staff is our most valued resource. Compassionate care, teamwork, professionalism, communication, and respect are the values that set ALS apart. This is a unionized position.
Principles and Beliefs:
Indigenous People require equitable treatment in the justice system, access to the legal and related resources within the justice system, as well as an understanding of the system and their options.
The support required includes advocacy in all areas of the law as well as alternatives which can break the cycles of recidivism and dependency which is all too prevalent.
These alternatives are more effective when they are community controlled and are based on the traditional cultural norms and values of the Indigenous community.
Job purpose:
ALS is looking for a permanent Staff Lawyer to begin as soon as possible. We are seeking a lawyer with at least 5 years of legal experience. This is a unionized position. This position is funded by Legal Aid Ontario. The salary range for this position is $102,492 - $123,204 in accordance with year of call and the Collective Agreement.
ALS Staff Lawyers carry out casework independently; conducts legal research; and assists legal director and senior staff lawyer in legal supervision and coordination of community legal workers, students and participates in volunteer coordination. They provide summary legal advice, assist in clinic administration, and represent the clinic in the community through written work, litigation, board appearances, case management and team contributions to test case litigation and Inquest work, as well as public speaking and engaging in community outreach.
Duties and responsibilities
●To review the full job description of an ALS Staff lawyer please contact the HR department,
●Lawyers applying for this position should have familiarity with diverse areas of law or demonstrate similar experience and willingness to learn areas of law, including but not limited to:
oLandlord and Tenant,
oSocial Assistance,
oInquest representation,
oCriminal law,
oChild Protection;
oPolice Complaints,
oHuman Rights,
oVictim Advocacy,
ocriminal and civil appeal and processes,
oawareness to changes to relevant law, policies or administrative practices,
Other duties include:
●Providing summary advice and intake for members of the public or clients;
●Client Representation before boards, courts or in other administrative processes;
●Inquest representation
●File carriage and management, including
○organizing facts and prepare case plan, write and obtain documents and material required;
oPrepare argument, including oral and written submissions,
oIdentify witnesses and evidence,
oPrepare client and witnesses for trial,
oExamine and cross-examine witnesses and expert witnesses,
oOral advocacy at hearing,
●Supervision of other licensees, Community Legal Workers, students and volunteers
●Administration
●Outreach and Education
●Community Development and Organizing
●Law Reform or Advocacy
●Other duties and tasks as directed by the Legal Advocacy Director
Qualifications
●LL.B. or J.D., called to the bar in Ontario. Relevant experience in law specifically related to clinic services is preferred. Knowledge/experience with urban Indigenous legal/cultural issues is preferred.
●Minimum: five years of legal experience and ideally seven to ten years of experience in legal practice.
●Knowledge and experience with Indigenous cultural and legal issues is preferred.
●Experiences serving or working with Indigenous clients, communities is also an asset that will be considered when selecting candidates for interviews.
To apply:
Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous and meet the requirements of the job posting will be given first consideration in the hiring process
To apply to this job posting please submit your cover letter and resume with “Staff Lawyer” in the subject line to hrgeneral@aboriginallegal.ca or fax it to (416) 408-1568 by no later than 5 pm ET on Friday June 14, 2024.
Aboriginal Legal Services is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.
Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request. To request accommodation, please email Nazaninn@aboriginallegal.ca.
We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.