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Union: The Society Job Number: J0425-1108 Job Title: 2026/27 Articling Student - Criminal & Family (Newmarket) Job Type: Articling Student Contract Duration (months): 10 months City, Province, Country: Newmarket, Ontario, Canada Job Location: Newmarket Job Category: Legal Job Classification: AS Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace. Open Positions: 1 Posting Date: January 20, 2026 Closing Date: February 1, 2026 Salary: $72,149.57 /Year
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 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.
Primary function
Are you interested in working in the fields of social justice or public interest and making a real difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable? If so, Legal Aid Ontario (“LAO”) wants to give you that opportunity. Start your career with an articling position with LAO, and see how rewarding a career in public service can be.
LAO invests in and fosters the long-term development of its lawyers – a process that starts with the summering and articling experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience different areas of law, giving you a comprehensive articling experience in social justice.
Home location: Newmarket
Secondary/tertiary locations: Not Applicable
Compensation: $72,149.57 per annum prorated for 10 months plus benefits.
Area of Search: Students eligible to article in 2026-27
Assignment: 10 month contract, start date will be in July 2026
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
Examples of the type of work that our students are exposed to include the following:
•Duty counsel services in criminal court: interview accused, contact and verify sureties, conduct surety interviews, act as intermediary between duty counsel and private counsel or Crowns, facilitate interviews for duty counsel, conduct guilty plea interviews, and assist with set-date court.
•Duty counsel services in family court: help unrepresented clients draft applications, affidavits and motions, prepare lists of cases, summaries of cases and case books that could be accessed by duty counsel, observe courtroom presentations and assist with client meetings.
Required skills & experience
•Eligible to undertake articles in Ontario
•Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
•Demonstrated excellent writing and oral communication skills
•Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement
•Solid understanding of the mission of Legal Aid Ontario
•Understanding of LAO’s client communities and excellent client service to vulnerable populations
•Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and video platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
What do we offer?
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
Benefits and Pension Program
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, medical and life insurance along with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.
Students are also eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).
Licensing Fees
LAO pays 100% of the Law Society licensing fees including: application fee, barrister licensing examination, solicitor licensing examination, articling program/LPP/IPC fee, and call to the bar fee.
Onboarding & Training
We offer a 5-day training led by experienced lawyers who are deeply passionate about social justice for all articling students across Ontario in the Provincial Office in your first week
The training program typically includes:
•Criminal law and family law training emphasizing interactive, experiential learning, including case studies, role-playing, and soft skill development.
•A courthouse visit allowed articling students to shadow our lawyers and observe them in action.
•Virtual court sessions offered a chance to watch how virtual court operates, followed by guided walkthroughs of the process with our instructors.
How to apply:
•Apply through (only applications submitted through LAO’s online application tool will be accepted) by Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
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