Associate Lawyer

Start date: October 1, 2026

Employment type: Full-time

Vacancy status: This posting is for an existing, currently open position.

Kumararatne Law is an Ottawa-based immigration litigation firm known for its work at the enforcement side of immigration law — inadmissibility, detention reviews, deportation and sponsorship appeals, refugee appeals, Federal Court judicial reviews, and stays of removal. Kumararatne Law also frequently provides legal opinions for criminal matters. We comprise two lawyers and two law clerks. We also host law students from the University of Ottawa each semester as part of a practicum course.

We are looking to add an Associate Lawyer (called to the bar 2-5 years) to join our team and work closely with Ayesha Kumararatne. In this role, the associate will primarily focus on Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) applications, deferrals, refugee claims, detention reviews, legal opinions, appeals, and Federal Court matters. This role offers an opportunity to build deep expertise in a specialized, high-demand area of practice, with close, ongoing mentorship from experienced counsel (depending on prior experience).

What You'll Do

• Work directly with firm lawyers on all files before transitioning to your own independent files (depending on prior experience)
• Manage a Legal Aid Ontario certificate caseload, taking primary carriage of PRRA applications and working closely with Ayesha Kumararatne
• Draft legal opinions, submissions, and supporting materials for enforcement-side and refugee matters
• Assist with file preparation for RAD appeals, IAD hearings, and Federal Court applications
• Conduct legal research and writing in support of the firm's litigation practice
• Liaise directly with clients navigating high-stakes, time-sensitive immigration matters
• Meet billable targets and maintain clear dockets in practice management software (Clio)
• Learn how to handle a case from start to finish, including administrative file preparation (retainers, compiling PDF records, etc.)

What We're Looking For

• Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2-5 years' experience exclusively in immigration and/or criminal law
• Bilingual (English/French) required is a strong asset
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Genuine interest in immigration and refugee law, particularly enforcement-side and appellate work
• Comfort working with clients in crisis situations, with sensitivity and professionalism
• Comfort working on matters with unpredictable deadlines, such as deferrals and stay motions
• Prior experience in criminal law a strong asset
• Familiarity with time tracking, docket management, Legal Aid billing, and working with billable targets
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently on your own case files
• Legal Aid Ontario empanelment preferred
• Someone who looks out for others, lends an ear on tough days, enjoys discussing new case law and sharing new practice insights, and is invested in the firm’s and our clients’ successes

Why Kumararatne Law

• Close, hands-on mentorship from two experienced counsel — direct file guidance and regular debriefs. We are not a sink-or-swim firm environment!
• Work in a firm with a strong reputation and expertise
• Genuine carriage of files and client contact from day one
• A clear path to specialization in one of the fastest-growing areas of Canadian immigration law
• Collegial, small-firm environment that values work life balance and taking care of each other on hard days
• Comprehensive benefits plan
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangement based in Ottawa - for the right candidate, this role may be fully remote, with in-person attendance required for firm events and training

Compensation

· $65,000 – $80,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience (open to a fee-split model if preferred), with clear billable targets

· Comprehensive health/dental and other benefits via Canada Life group benefits plan

· Paid time off and respect for work-life balance

· Hybrid work (Ottawa based is preferred, but not essential)

· Supportive team environment that invests in each other, our knowledge and growth

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to ***email_hidden*** with the subject line "Associate Lawyer Application."

Kumararatne Law is an equal opportunity employer. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.