Lawyer Manager

Job Category: Legal

Job Classification: LM

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

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

The Provincial Case Management Office (PCMO) is part of the Lawyer Services and Payments (LSP) department and is responsible for administering the Big Case Management (BCM) program which sets budgets for complex cases expected to cost in excess of $20,000.00, Mid-level case management for matters costing between $8,000.00 - $20,000.00, merit assessments for appeals and Ministry of the Attorney General/Department of Justice payments of state funded cases granted pursuant to Court orders.

Reporting to the Director, LSP, the PCMO Manager leads a team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the BCM program and the Protocol Case Unit (PCU) and assists the Director in the development of strategic initiatives for these programs.

Key accountabilities

1. Analyze and report on trends and developments within the criminal justice sector
2. Develop and implement new departmental strategies, processes and initiatives in consultation with internal stakeholders
3. Track, assess and report on key metrics to ensure the programs are effective, efficient and high quality
4. Assessment of the efficacy of current strategies and initiatives
5. Training, mentoring and managing the performance of case managers
6. Assisting the Director and Business Manager in developing and monitoring the department budget
7. Assessing and responding to complaints from clients and stakeholders
8. Assessing and responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
9. Supporting Directors General with roster management including identification of billing problems, correcting behavior and supporting the roster removal process
10. Chairing the Exceptions Committee in addressing requests which exceed $75,000.00
11. Chairing the External Advice Meetings in addressing merit assessments for appeals
12. Managing active budgets, including the analysis of defense strategies in criminal law cases, negotiate, determine and/or recommend budgets for high-risk, high-cost criminal cases to LAO’s Executive Management and oversee the approval process
13. Delivering training and information regarding PCMO programs to roster members and other justice stakeholders.
14. Other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

1. Lawyer in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario with significant criminal law trial experience, including jury trials
2. Sound knowledge and experience applying the Legal Aid Services Act 2020 and its regulations, the Legal Aid Service Rules, the Tariff and Billing Handbook, BCM program, mid-level case management, PCU and related LAO policies and procedures
3. Superior written and verbal communication skills
4. Demonstrated management and leadership skills to lead, motivate and mentor staff
5. Excellent interpersonal skills for dealing with staff, clients, lawyers and external stakeholders with the proven ability to exercise sound judgement
6. Superior demonstrated collaborative, analytic and strategic skills
7. Able to manage uncertainty, to identify and prioritize information and to make fast judgement calls
8. Able to balance competing stakeholder interests and demands within financial constraints
9. Adaptable, able to respond to shifting deadlines and competing priorities
10. Word, Outlook, Excel, PeopleSoft and Portal proficiency

Preferred Skills and Experience:

1. Experience managing financial and administrative functions with experience in financial analysis
2. Criminal law appellate experience
3. Understanding of LAO’s roster management processes
4. District Area Office knowledge or experience
5. Centralized Services Office knowledge or experience
6. Experience communicating with governmental and agency stakeholders
7. French proficiency is considered an asset

To apply submit a covering letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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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