President & Chief Executive Officer

Job Title: President & Chief Executive Officer

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Executive

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

One of the largest providers of legal services in North America, Legal Aid Ontario has a statutory mandate to promote access to justice throughout Ontario for low-income individuals by providing consistently high-quality legal aid services in a cost-effective and efficient manner, and encouraging and facilitating flexibility and innovation in the provision of legal aid services. An agency of the Government of Ontario, and accountable to the Attorney General for the performance of the Agency, Legal Aid Ontario offers a range of legal services through a mixed services delivery model in both official languages, extending from summary legal advice to full representation.

The President and CEO provides strategic executive leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of Legal Aid Ontario. Reporting and accountable to a Board of Directors, the President and CEO represents the Agency in communicating with government and external stakeholders to ensure the ongoing need for stable, adequate, and sustainable funding and resources for LAO to carry out its mandate effectively. The President and CEO will maintain and foster strong relationships with LAO stakeholders including the public, the judiciary, justice officials, lawyers, legal aid clinics, and relevant organizations, to proactively communicate about issues of concern within the justice system and a way forward to continually improve the effectiveness of the organization.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a record of successful leadership and administration within a service-oriented environment where responsibilities extend beyond general administration. They will have successfully overseen substantial budgets, preferably within the public sector, and managed a large workforce, including unionized employees, with efficiency and effectiveness. With a comprehensive understanding of the justice system, they will appreciate the balance of independence and interdependence among its many participants. Additionally, they will bring experience in navigating complex, multi-layered political environments while maintaining a client-focused approach.

To Apply

To fill this position, Legal Aid Ontario has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be made online at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/29907.

Important Note: Applications will not be accepted through Legal Aid Ontario's career site.

For more information, please contact Camille Petitti, Engagement Manager of Odgers Berndtson, at camille.petitti@odgersberndtson.com.

We thank all those who express an interest; however, only those chosen for further development will be contacted.