Description
Community Legal Services at Western University is hiring two Review Counsels.
Why Western?
Western is ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide, so it’s no surprise that we take academics seriously. But we also believe a university education is about more than simply acquiring knowledge — it’s about the experiences and finding a supportive community that inspires people to do their best and be their best.
Our unmatched student experience and world-class faculty members, services, and programs provide students and employees with unique opportunities to explore their passions, discover their purpose, and positively impact the world.
Community Legal Services (CLS) is a Student Legal Services Organization (SLSO) as defined by the Legal Aid Services Act of Ontario (2020). It is a legal clinic within Western Law that provides free legal advice and representation to low income and marginalized members of the London / Middlesex community, as well as Fanshawe College and Western students. Current areas of service include Criminal and Provincial Offences, Housing Law, Civil Litigation (Small Claims Court) and Family Law. CLS also provides public legal education to community members and organizations. We are funded by Legal Aid Ontario, Law Foundation of Ontario, Western University Student Council and the Faculty of Law.
The Opportunities
Review Counsel (Criminal Law): The Review Counsel provides comprehensive and detailed supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of law students working in the Community Legal Services (CLS) legal clinic as summer students, volunteers, or for course credit in accordance with CLS, Western University policies and procedures, and the Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct. Review Counsel supervises all file work and provision of legal services, done by students, for clients of the clinic, including advocacy, file management, legal research, legal problem solving, negotiations and professional ethics. Review Counsel ensures the effective and efficient delivery of education and training to students, primarily in the area of Criminal and Provincial offences law but may also overlap into other areas of legal service offered by the clinic. Review Counsel will be called upon to provide instruction for the Advanced Criminal Course and lead group discussions with students. Review Counsel also supports the work of the clinic in community outreach, advocacy projects and public legal education initiatives
Review Counsel (Civil and Administrative Law): The Review Counsel provides comprehensive and detailed supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of law students working in the Community Legal Services (CLS) legal clinic as summer students, volunteers, or for course credit in accordance with CLS, Western University policies and procedures, and the Law Society of Ontario Rules of Professional Conduct. Review Counsel supervises all file work and provision of legal services, done by students, for clients of the clinic, including advocacy, file management, legal research, legal problem solving, negotiations and professional ethics. Review Counsel ensures the effective and efficient delivery of education and training to students, primarily in the area of civil, and administrative law including small claims court and tenants rights but may also overlap into other areas of legal service offered by the clinic. Review Counsel will be called upon to provide instruction for the Clinic Course and lead group discussions with students. Review Counsel also supports the work of the Clinic in community outreach, advocacy projects and public legal education initiatives.
What you bring to the role?
Education:
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Membership in the Law Society of Ontario (licenced to practice law in Ontario)
Experience & Skills:
- 5 years of experience practicing law in a litigation environment
- Experience with legal clinics would be an asset
- Extensive litigation practice experience including conduct of trials, motions, and hearings as well as drafting legal documents, facta and forms
- Experience supervising and mentoring law students, including training at the post-secondary level and overseeing work in various practice areas such as Criminal Law, Provincial Offences, housing disputes, civil litigation, and more
- Strong advocacy skills and comprehensive knowledge of substantive and procedural law
- Exceptional communication abilities, both verbal and written, with proven skills in explaining complex information, collaborating with team members, and providing client-focused service
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information with discretion, and perform detailed, accurate legal work under pressure
- Experience working respectfully with low-income clients, persons with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, showing cross-cultural competency
- Proven consultative and collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making, with strong critical thinking skills
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.
How to Apply
Visit our webiste to apply online to reference #41753 or by emailing sarah.williams@uwo.ca.
Please note, this position is an existing vacancy and requires residency in the London, Ontario area. Candidates who currently have a private law practice can continue this practice part-time if they choose to.
