2027 2L Summer Law Student - Family (Hamilton)

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 (LAO) presents law students with an exceptional opportunity to embark on a diverse and fulfilling career in social justice. LAO is dedicated to the long-term professional development of its lawyers, offering experience in multiple areas of law throughout Ontario, beginning with summer and articling placements.

We are seeking talented law students passionate about a multifaceted, long-term career focused on providing access to justice. Consider joining LAO, where you can positively affect the lives of low-income Ontarians

Home Location: Hamilton

Secondary & Tertiary Locations: Milton and Brantford

This position is 100% onsite at the locations listed above. The successful candidate must be able to commute to the office(s) and work in person on a full‑time basis.

Hiring Manager: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

Family Senior Counsel Program

The Family Senior Counsel Program provides certificate based legal services aimed to improve access to justice for some of our most vulnerable family law and child protection clients, including those who are experiencing intimate partner violence, mental health challenges and members of equity seeking groups.

Our lawyers accept legal aid certificates and provide full representation to clients, from first appearance court, up to and including trial representation. In addition to direct client advocacy, the Family Senior Counsel Program also plays a key role in mentorship and legal education, providing training opportunities for staff lawyers, students and private counsel to cultivate professional judgment and skill.

As a summer student, you will be involved in matters that may include:

• Assisting with complex family law and child protection matters, including motions, case conferences, and trials, under the supervision of the Lawyer Manager or senior counsel.
• Supporting vulnerable clients through trauma-informed and culturally responsive advocacy.
• Drafting legal documents and conducting legal research in family law matters.

Required Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement
• Awareness of LAO’s statutory mandate to provide high quality client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, Indigenous communities, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Fluent in English, fluency in French is an asset
• Awareness of access to justice issues facing LAO’s clients
• Access to vehicle and/or travel to secondary and tertiary

How To Apply

• Apply through

(only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted).

• A cover letter;
• résumé ;
• law school transcripts (web-based unofficial transcripts or grades listings are acceptable);and
• 2-3 work, school, or volunteer related reference letters.
• Interviews: This position will participate in the virtual On Campus Interview (OCI) process. Check with your school for the OCI interview schedule.
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email/phone
• If you are interested in more than one location, you need to apply to each location/posting and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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

Already have an 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 View phone number on ca.workus.org or email support:***email_hidden***.

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.