Paralegal - Immigration Detention (12-month Contract)

About Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario is dedicated to improving justice access for vulnerable clients. Joining Legal Aid Ontario means becoming part of a team committed not only to legal service but also to justice and innovation within a flexible, supportive work environment. The organization plays a critical role within the justice system.

Role Overview

This paralegal role focuses on assisting individuals detained in immigration custody mainly at the Immigration Holding Centre (IHC) in Toronto. The successful candidate will interview detainees to assess their legal needs, provide summary legal advice, and represent clients in proceedings before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and in applications to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The position operates under the guidance and supervision of a lawyer and collaborates within a multidisciplinary detention team.

The role requires flexibility to attend in-person meetings with clients at the IHC multiple times per week based on operational demands. Services are conducted in both virtual and onsite settings with limited direct supervision onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with detainees to assess legal issues.
• Deliver summary legal advice tailored to detainees’ cases.
• Assist detainees in applying for Legal Aid Ontario certificates.
• Provide legal representation before all divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
• Support clients through Pre-Removal Risk Assessments, Humanitarian and Compassionate applications, deferrals of removal, and other CBSA/IRCC processes under lawyer supervision.
• Contribute to legal education programs and test case initiatives.
• Collect data, manage case dockets, and generate reports as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Strong dedication to aiding vulnerable individuals with precarious immigration status, including those with mental health or addiction issues and experience with the criminal justice system.
• Empathy and understanding toward clients facing mental health and addiction challenges.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Prior experience as an advocate in legal contexts.
• Experience representing individuals before courts or tribunals.
• Familiarity with immigration and refugee law and systems in Canada.
• Knowledge of working with detainees or those with precarious immigration status.
• Lived immigrant experience or close ties to immigrant/refugee communities.
• Proficiency in languages other than English is an advantage.
• Competency with word processing and videoconferencing tools such as MS Teams, Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF.

Work Environment and Conditions

The role is based primarily at the Refugee Law Office - Detention team in Toronto. Secondary locations may include the Immigration Holding Centre and other provincial jails within the region. The position follows current in-office attendance policies requiring full-time onsite presence and the ability to commute to specified locations.

Compensation and Benefits

Legal Aid Ontario provides a supportive workplace with a comprehensive benefits package including dental, health, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, short- and long-term disability plans. Employees enjoy generous leave policies encompassing vacation, illness, discretionary days, and statutory holidays. Participation in the OPSEU Pension Plan is available.

Additional Information

This position is represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) with union dues deducted bi-weekly. Permanent OPSEU employees appointed to this role will revert to their original position if it continues after the assignment ends.

Applicants must undergo a criminal record check upon final selection. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of Legal Aid Ontario, with active encouragement of applications from underrepresented groups. Accommodation requests during the recruitment process and employment are supported.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter detailing their interest in and qualifications for the role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.