Job order – J0625-0508 – Articling Student
Published June 18, 2025
Title
2026/27 Articling Student – Criminal (Senior Counsel) (Toronto)
Category
Legal
City
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Description
2026/27 Articling Student – Criminal (Senior Counsel) (Toronto)
Company Bio
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.
Primary function
Are you interested in working in the fields of social justice or public interest and making a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (“LAO”) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.
LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers – a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.
Home location: Toronto
Secondary/tertiary locations: Not Applicable
Compensation: $72,149.57 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.
Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2026-27
Assignment: 10 month contract, start date will be in July 2026
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Senior Counsel Program:
The Senior Counsel Program provides an additional option for service, separate from duty counsel or certificate services. It complements the work of Ontario’s private bar by filling identified service gaps. Our lawyers serve clients for the entire life of their case, from bail up to and including full trial representation. Senior Counsel also create and facilitate mentorship and training opportunities for staff lawyers, students and private counsel to cultivate professional judgment and skill, further enhancing access to justice. Any client who meets the eligibility requirements may benefit from Senior Counsel representation.
Key accountabilities
As an articling student, you will be involved in matters that may include:
• Advocacy and Litigation
• Note, cases can be referred to Senior Counsel at various stages and carried through until completion.
• Client services may include legal and other research, drafting, case preparation, memo writing, client contact, interviews and gathering of facts, court appearances whether remote or in-person, organization of a client file matter, negotiation and advice; all necessary assistance to Senior Counsel for trials, complex pleas and sentencing, fitness, NCR and ORB hearings, special bails and bail reviews, appeals, extraordinary remedies (i.e. habeas corpus) and test case and public litigation.
• The above work is not only done for the articling principal but for also for other Senior Counsel in the Department.
• Senior Counsel can assist with protocol cases such as Amicus (lawyer for the Court), s 486.3 (cross-examine specific witnesses), and s 672.24 (represent accused while fitness is in issue).
• Senior Counsel are also available to assist General Counsel (GCO) with LAO-related litigation.
Required skills & experience
• A law degree from a recognized university
• Eligible to undertake articles of clerkship to be called to the bar in Ontario as a lawyer
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Awareness of LAO’s statutory mandate to provide high quality client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, Indigenous communities, youth, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Awareness of access to justice issues facing LAO’s clients
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.
Benefits and Pension Program
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, medical and life insurance along with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.
Students are also eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).
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, and call to the bar fee.
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.
How to apply:
• Apply through http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/careers (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).
• To apply submit:
o A cover letter;
o résumé ;
o law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable); and
o 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
• Candidates must apply by Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email
• Virtual interviews will be held between August 11 – 13
• If you are interested in more than one location, you need to apply to each location/posting and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.
This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals 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.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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.
First time applying to a position with LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.
Equity Statement
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.
Skills
- Criminal
Reference
415660