ELGIN-OXFORD LEGAL CLINIC
STAFF LAWYER
Practice legal clinic law in a primarily rural area where you can choose to live in a smaller community, but where the benefits of big city life are a relatively short drive away. The Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic is a general service community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario. We serve low-income members of our community within the areas of poverty law that we practice. Our clients reside in Elgin and Oxford Counties as well as the three local First Nations communities.
The Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic (EOLC) is seeking a Staff Lawyer with one or more years’ experience for a full-time, permanent position.
The successful candidate will be an important part of a team whose goal is to provide clinic law information/advice and representation, public legal education, law reform, and community development activities. The areas of law may change at the direction of the Executive Director.
EOLC is seeking a staff lawyer who will practice law in the areas of Ontario Disability Support Program appeals with some Landlord and Tenant work. Canada Pension Plan appeals and Ontario Works appeals may on occasion be required. This position provides legal services including summary advice, brief services such as document preparation and representation at tribunals and boards. There may be work required regarding law reform, community development activities and public legal education events.
The duties of the position will be carried out primarily at our offices but with the opportunity for some remote work. The Clinic services clients at satellite offices throughout our catchment area and travel may be required throughout both counties.
Qualifications:
* Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (one-year or greater call preferred).
* A demonstrated commitment to social justice and an understanding of the needs and challenges faced by low-income and marginalized communities.
* Strong advocacy skills and the ability to evaluate legal issues and exercise sound judgment.
* Sound organizational and administrative skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
* Good computer skills; experience with Word, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to plan and conduct engaging public legal education events if required.
* Ability to effectively interact in a trauma informed approach with clients who often face multiple challenges and barriers.
* File and document management skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Driver’s license, a vehicle, and the ability to travel (infrequently in the evenings) are required.
* Community legal clinic experience is an asset.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, September 23, 2023, 4:30 pm. Applications maybe accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
COMPENSATION: Annual range of $87,700 - $104,500, depending on relevant experience. Includes a comprehensive benefits package and employer pension plan contributions.
START DATE: Late October 2026 – Flexible and to be arranged.
TO APPLY: Send an email with the following Word or pdf attachments – cover letter, resume, the names of two references with sufficient contact information– to Ken Brooks, Executive Director, at eolc.kbrooks@gmail.com .