2025 2l Summer Law Student - Refugee/immigration

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.

Legal Aid Ontario offers a wide range of legal aid services across the province. For more information about LAO and its programs, visit the LAO website at www.legalaid.on.ca.

Home location: Hamilton District Office
Secondary/tertiary locations: Immigration Holding Centre/RLO Hamilton

Reporting to: Manager, Refugee Law Office Hamilton

As a summer student, you will be involved in matters that may include:
• Refugee Law Office (RLO) helps clients with precarious immigration status in matters before the Immigration and Refugee Board, all levels of the Federal Courts and in applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency. As a student, you will be involved in matters that may include assisting with refugee claims and appeals, detention reviews, deportation orders appeals, humanitarian and compassionate applications, judicial reviews, and stays of removal.

• Enrolled in a recognized law school
• Proven dedication to social justice or public interest work
• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills such as active listening, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, patience, adaptability, networking and a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with Legal Aid Ontario's mission and services
• Ability to work independently, tackle complex issues, build relationships, and collaborate with teams
• Experience in serving marginalized populations, including racialized communities, youth, and individuals facing mental health or addiction issues, or homelessness
• French language proficiency is an asset

LAO is pleased to accept applications from students in law schools outside of Ontario as well.

How to apply:
• Application Submission: Apply online at LAO Careers
• Required Documents: cover letter, résumé, law school transcripts (unofficial web-based transcripts or grade listings are acceptable), and 2-3 reference letters related to work, school, or volunteer activities.
• Submission Details: Applications must be submitted through LAO's online application tool. No other forms of submission will be accepted.
o Address Applications to: Hiring Manager, 20 Dundas St. West, Suite 730 Toronto, ON M5G 2H1
• Multiple Locations: If interested in more than one location, submit a separate application for each and only apply to the positions you are willing to accept.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
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 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