2026 2L Summer Law Student - Criminal (Ottawa)

Union: Non-union

Job Number: J

Job Title: 2026 2L Summer Law Student - Criminal (Ottawa)

Job Type: Summer Student

Contract Duration (months): 4 months

City, Province, Country: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Ottawa

Job Category: Legal

Posting Date: November 25, 2025

Closing Date: December 9, 2025

Salary: $28.71/Hour

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.

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

Home Location: Ottawa
Secondary & Tertiary Locations: Not Applicable

Hiring Manager: Manager, Legal Services

As a summer student, you will be involved in matters that may include:

• 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.

• 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.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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.

Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call or email support:

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