1L Summer Law Student - Legal Research Assistant

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

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking first-year law students to support a research project examining the impact of a new Ontario Court of Justice Bail Directive on bail proceedings and outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to empirically grounded policy research with direct implications for access to justice in Ontario, while gaining hands-on exposure to criminal law, duty counsel practice, and the justice system in action.

Locations:

• Thunder Bay
• Toronto
• Ottawa
• London
• Hamilton
• Brampton
• Windsor
• Barrie (Oshawa/Lindsay/Peterborough)

Key accountabilities

Court Observation and Research

• Attend bail court to observe proceedings and document outcomes, judicial reasoning, and procedural patterns relevant to the Bail Directive
• Complete structured observation logs and data collection instruments
• Identify and flag emerging patterns or anomalies for review by supervising staff
• Summarize and synthesize research findings in clear written memos and notes
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, and other documents

Duty Counsel Support

• Assist duty counsel with administrative and logistical support as needed during court attendance
• Help prepare client-facing materials or background information under supervision

General Department Support

• Participate in team meetings and research debriefs
• Other duties as assigned

General Department Support

• Participate in team meetings and research debriefs
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• Currently enrolled in first year of a JD program at an Ontario law school
• Strong analytical and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in access to justice, criminal law, or legal aid
• Ability to observe court proceedings with professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity to the circumstances of individuals involved
• Comfort with structured data collection and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a court environment
• Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods
• Fluency in French or other languages spoken by LAO's client communities considered an asset.

Working Conditions

This role requires regular in-person attendance at the Ontario Court of Justice.

How to apply?

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

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 LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position. Already have a 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: 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.