Policy Counsel (6 months)

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

Lead the development of strategic, evidence-based, data-informed policy recommendations across diverse issue areas, with particular emphasis on criminal law and services.

Home Location: Toronto - Provincial Office
Secondary/Tertiary Location: N/A

Reporting to: Director, Policy

Key accountabilities

• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on emerging policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, with a particular focus on criminal law;
• Initiating, conducting, coordinating and preparing complex policy research and proposals;
• Tracking and identifying issues in the delivery of legal aid services and developing proposals to address these issues;
• Developing training resources and materials, including practice directions, guidance documents, and training sessions for service providers;
• Working collaboratively with departments across the organization to gather information, assess risks and benefits, and develop well-informed recommendations that reflect legal, operational, and strategic considerations;
• Advising senior management on the implications of policy and legislative change;
• Preparing presentations, memos, and other materials for the CEO, senior management, the Chair, and Board of Directors to inform executive and board-level decision making, including strategic policy options and risk assessments;
• Supporting meetings and consultations with lawyers’ associations, community organizations, legal aid plans, courts, and other stakeholders;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required skills & experience

• Law degree and license in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario;
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify emerging legal, policy, and service-delivery issues through independent monitoring of legislative developments, news sources, stakeholder communications, and internal data trends;
• Substantial experience in policy analysis and development, with a demonstrated ability to balance competing considerations such as cost, feasibility, stakeholder relations, funder expectations, and legislative mandate;
• Proven capacity as a self-starter, able to take initiative, investigate issues, and propose next steps without direction;
• Sound understanding of the legal aid system, justice system operations, and the unique legal needs of LAO’s clients;
• Substantial practice experience in criminal law (e.g. in private practice and/or as a staff lawyer), with the ability to draw on that experience to develop practical, credible, and implementable policy recommendations;
• Sound working knowledge of government decision-making processes and demonstrated political judgment;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex issues clearly and persuasively to varied audiences (e.g. senior management, private bar, judiciary, government funders);
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency, with experience applying these principles in policy analysis and development;
• French language skills are a strong asset.

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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: [email protected]