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 the2SLGBTQ+ 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.
About the job
We are seeking a candidate who can work collaboratively with others in a high-pressure, team-based environment. This position is accountable to the Manager, Investigations. As an investigator, the successful candidate will be responsible for investigating internal and external complaints involving roster members, other service providers, staff and clients. Typical investigations include gathering and analyzing relevant evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing clear and comprehensive investigation reports.
The evidence gathered during the course of these investigations will help ensure Legal Aid Services Act Rules and Policies are followed and that clients are provided effective and high-quality legal aid services throughout the Province of Ontario, in a client-focused and accountable manner while ensuring value for money. The ideal candidate would have prior experience in conducting investigations and be able to contribute effectively early in the role.
Home Location: Provincial Office, Toronto
Secondary/Other Location: Not applicable
Reports to: Manager, Investigations
Department Description
The Investigations Department is responsible for protecting Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) from the misappropriation of assets and resources and for providing strategies to reduce financial and reputational risk to the organization.
The Department is made up of dedicated and hard-working professionals who take pride in their work and are committed to upholding Legal Aid Ontario's mandate. We foster a team environment that is comfortable, friendly, and open—where collaboration and mutual respect are the foundation of our success. It's this strong sense of team spirit that drives our collective efforts and makes our workplace both productive and rewarding.
The Department also acts as the liaison between LAO and the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
What you bring to the team
Key accountabilities
Department Description
The Investigations Department is responsible for protecting Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) from the misappropriation of assets and resources, and for providing strategies to reduce financial and reputational risk to the organization. The Department also acts as the liaison between LAO and the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
The Department is made up of dedicated and hard-working professionals who take pride in their work and are committed to upholding Legal Aid Ontario's mandate. We foster a team environment that is comfortable, friendly, and open - where collaboration and mutual respect are the foundation of our success. It is this strong sense of team spirit that drives our collective efforts and makes our workplace both productive and rewarding.
Key accountabilities
• Conduct investigations and prepare detailed investigation reports
• Review lawyer account information and billings submitted by respondent lawyers to ensure compliance with the Rules and Policies
• Establish and execute investigation plans to manage files through to completion
• Interview lawyers, clients, staff, other service providers, and third-party witnesses to ensure that all relevant information is collected during the course of an investigation
• Develop criteria and analyze data of varying complexity to identify suspicious patterns indicative of non-compliant behaviour
• Prepare investigative reports and findings for Senior Management, criminal court proceedings, tribunals and internal investigations
• Liaison with Law enforcement agencies
• Testify at internal matters, Law Society of Ontario tribunals and Criminal trials relating to lawyers, other service providers, staff and clients under investigation
• Actively participate in Departmental and Organizational projects
Required skills & experience
Investigations and Case Management
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience practising law in specific areas (criminal, family, or immigration and refugee law)and/or working in an investigative or regulatory function
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience independently managing investigation files, preferably in a law office or
accounting environment.
• Experience investigating serious matters, including professional misconduct (including allegations of sexual improprieties),billing issues, conduct unbecoming, competence concerns, licensing issues, capacity matters, and unauthorized practice
• Demonstrated experience preparing investigation reports and case plans, determining investigation strategies, identifying required evidence, and independently conducting investigations in accordance with established plans, including identifying risk and performing ongoing analysis
• Experience with conducting Request for Reconsiderations is preferred.
• Investigation experience gained through work in law enforcement or within a legal, government, and/or regulatory environment is preferred
• Extensive knowledge of a specialized area of law, such as criminal, family, and/or immigration and refugee law
• Excellent knowledge of court practice and procedure (e.g. criminal, family, child protection, mental health), as well as an understanding of the role and processes of the Immigration and Refugee Board
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills for dealing with the public and members of the legal profession with demonstrated strength in listening, probing, and negotiation
• Litigation experience preferred
• Excellent written communication skills, including strong report writing ability
• Experience managing documents and data within an electronic database environment
• Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of self motivation, strong self discipline, and excellent organizational skills
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and the Canada Evidence Act
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing requirements, and meet time sensitive deadlines
Team Relationship
• Facilitates the sharing and transfer of knowledge and information within the department and division to enhance team capability and consistency.
• Contribute to the development of standardized practices, guidelines, and procedures for the proper conduct and resolution of investigation files.
• Manage a personal caseload while collaborating with team members within the department and with partners across the Audit and Complaints Services Branch to establish, monitor, and continuously improve processes and case management performance metrics.
• Continuously review policies and procedures, identify opportunities for enhancement, and participate in the development and implementation of assigned policy initiatives related to investigative activities.
Alliance Building
• Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with government agencies, federal, provincial judicial bodies and law enforcement agencies to facilitate effective information sharing and collaboration.
Assets
• Associate Membership or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners(ACFE)
• Experience with, and knowledge of, open source intelligence concepts, tools, and techniques, as well as structured data analysis
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft and Case Management Systems (CMS) such Case IQ
• Ability to communicate effectively in both French and English, orally and in writing
• Final candidates for this position will be required to successfully undergo a criminal record check
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicantsmay receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or tothe one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure thatyou check your email regularly.
First time applying to 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 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
What does LAO offer?
At LAO, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to enhance employees' professional and personal well-being, reflecting our values of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging.
Your health and wellness
Our health and wellness program includes:
Dental, health and life insurance
• Short-Term Disability and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Permanent employees are eligible for long-term disability insurance
• An employee assistance program (EAP) that offers professional, confidential counselling services to employees and members of their immediate families. The EAP operates programs that address common life issues such as childcare, smoking, financial difficulty, and more.
Your work-life balance
Employees enjoy generous paid time-off including:
• a minimum of 17 vacation days at hire,
• Sick days
• Discretionary days
• 3 paid days for religious or cultural observances
• Statutory holidays and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday
Your career
LAO supports your career development by offering professional development and networking through several programs, including training to support a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), and lunch and learns to build client service skills
• Informal Employee Networks for staff with shared identities to connect, support each other and build professional networks
• Law Society of Ontario (LSO) accredited training to support learning and professional development for all employees
• EDIB-focused training
• Mentorship programs, including an Indigenous-focused mentorship program
Your future
Employees are eligible to enroll in the defined benefit Public Service Pension Plan which provides financial security during retirement.