Overview
Articling Student – Criminal & Family Jobs in Kitchener, Canada at Legal Aid Ontario
Position: 2027/28 Articling Student – Criminal & Family )
Overview
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.
Home location: Waterloo Region Courthouse (85 Frederick St.)
Secondary/tertiary locations: N/A
Compensation: $78,265.25 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.
Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2027-28
Assignment: 10-month placement, expected start date will be in July 2027
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
This position is 100% onsite at the location listed above. The successful candidate(s) must be able to commute to the office(s) and work in person on a full‑time basis.
Key accountabilities
- Duty counsel services in criminal court: interview accused, contact and verify sureties, conduct surety interviews, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, facilitate interviews for duty counsel, conduct guilty plea interviews, and assist with set-date court.
- Duty counsel services in family court: help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations and assist with client meetings.
Required Skills & Experience
- Eligible to undertake articles in Ontario
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
- Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated interest in criminal and/or family law
- Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement
- 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.
What do we offer?
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
Your health and wellness
Our Health And Wellness Program Includes
- Dental and health benefits
- Basic Life Insurance and Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- An employee assistance program (EAP) that offers professional, confidential counselling services to employees and members of their immediate families. The EAP operates programs that address common life issues such as childcare, smoking, financial difficulty, and more.
Onboarding & training
- We offer a 5-day training led by experienced lawyers who are deeply passionate about social justice for all articling students across Ontario in the provincial office in your first week. The training program typically includes:
- Criminal law and family law training emphasizing interactive, experiential learning, including case studies, role-playing, and soft skill development.
- A courthouse visit allowed articling students to shadow our lawyers and observe them in action.
- Virtual court sessions offered a chance to watch how virtual court operates, followed by guided walkthroughs of the process with our instructors.
Licensing fees
- LAO pays 100% of the Law Society licensing fees including: application fee, barrister licensing examination, solicitor licensing examination, articling program/LPP/IPC fee, call to the bar fee.
Vacation
- Ten days of paid time off during the articling period in accordance with the LSO requirement
- All statutory holidays, and a day of observance for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday
Your career and your future
LAO supports your career development by offering professional development and networking through several programs, including training to support a positive culture of equity, diversity,…
Title: Articling Student – Criminal & Family
Company: Legal Aid Ontario
Location: Kitchener, Canada
Category:
