Bilingual Manager, Legal Services - Eastern District (12 months)

Bilingual Manager, Legal Services - Eastern District (12 months)

Union: Non-Union

Job Number: J1224-0439

Job Title: Bilingual Manager, Legal Services - Eastern District (12 months)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration (months): 12 months

Job Location: Ottawa

Job Category: Management / Consulting

Role Designation: Flexible Hybrid - In person days can be flexible from week to week subject to manager approval and operational requirements.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: December 19, 2024

Closing Date: January 2, 2025

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.

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.

What 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.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance and Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage. Legal Aid Ontario also offers a personal spending account which is an allotment of funds geared to supporting your mental, physical and financial well-being.

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy a generous paid time-off policy including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.

Employees are automatically enrolled in the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

Primary function

LAO is seeking a lawyer manager to oversee criminal and family duty counsel services in Ottawa (family only), Brockville, Perth, and Pembroke. Reporting to the Director General in the East District, this position is responsible for managing staff and per diems, developing and implementing new services, liaising with stakeholders, managing budgets, and supporting the Director General and management team with strategic analysis.

Location: Ottawa is the preferred home location. Travel is expected within the East District, including to Brockville, Perth, and Pembroke.

Key accountabilities

1. Team Management and Leadership: Lead and support a diverse team of legal professionals, including lawyers, legal aid workers, and articling/law students. Manage workload allocation and HR responsibilities in a unionized environment, including performance evaluations, goal setting, training, and professional development to ensure high standards of client service and adherence to LAO policies.
2. Service Delivery and Innovation: Oversee the administration and delivery of legal services within LAO’s Duty Counsel Program, ensuring alignment with LAO’s mandate and strategic goals. Develop and implement innovative service delivery processes to improve efficiency and client outcomes.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key liaison between LAO and external stakeholders, including the judiciary, Ministry of the Attorney General, private bar, and community organizations. Represent LAO at local courthouse committee meetings, conferences, and consultation groups to promote collaboration and address community needs.
4. Strategic Analysis and Advice: Provide strategic analysis and advice to the Director General and management team on legal service delivery, resource allocation, and program development. Contribute to the development of strategic initiatives to enhance service quality and accessibility.
5. Operational Oversight: Manage health and safety requirements and budgets (operations and per diem), ensuring financial accountability and compliance with LAO policies and procedures. Prepare reports, statistical analyses, and presentations to identify trends and inform decision-making.

Required skills & experience

1. Legal Qualifications: Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario. Experience in Criminal and Family law is an asset. Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency is required.
2. Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, foster a positive work culture, and manage complex projects. Prior management experience, including supervising staff in a unionized environment is a strong asset.
3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. Advanced written and verbal communication skills in both English and French is preferred.
4. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Client Service: Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the delivery of legal services. Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the justice system.
5. Technical Proficiency: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, Excel, Zoom, Teams, and other office applications. Familiarity and competence with client and file management systems, including Peoplesoft, Legal Files, Caselines, DivorceMate, and conflict of interest and file tickler systems is considered an asset.

To apply, submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

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.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), an independent but publicly funded and publicly accountable non-profit corporation. None of this material may be commercially reproduced, but copying for other purposes, with credit, is encouraged.