Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is one of the largest providers of legal services in North America. LAO is committed to delivering innovative services and supporting access to justice for low-income Ontarians. Legal Aid Ontario continues to promote access to justice, by operating in a client-focused, innovative, transparent and accountable manner to provide efficient, effective, and high-quality legal support and services.

The Vice President Court-Based Client Services provides strategic and operational leadership for one of Legal Aid Ontario’s largest and most complex divisions, overseeing the delivery of front line court based services, staff lawyer representation, and province wide telephone summary legal advice in criminal and family law through both staff and the private bar. The VP ensures high quality, accessible services for low income Ontarians while driving modernization and strengthening LAO’s service delivery system. This role also holds executive responsibility for LAO’s Indigenous Services portfolio, working with an Associate Vice President to ensure culturally appropriate, trauma informed supports for Indigenous clients, build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and partners, and advance reconciliation focused, equity driven strategies.

As a key member of the executive team, the VP shapes service delivery models, leads major modernization initiatives, and fosters deep collaboration across internal teams, the justice sector, and community stakeholders, requiring a seasoned leader capable of balancing operational excellence with innovation in a complex, evolving justice environment.

The ideal candidate is a senior lawyer and an experienced executive leader who excels in complex, service oriented environments and brings a strong understanding of Ontario’s justice system. They have led large, unionized teams and managed significant budgets while improving operational performance and ensuring high quality, client focused legal services across court based settings. Skilled in modernization and change, they navigate multifaceted stakeholder landscapes including the judiciary, private bar, Indigenous communities, and justice partners with credibility and political acuity. They demonstrate cultural humility and a commitment to reconciliation, ensuring culturally responsive, trauma informed services for Indigenous clients. With strong communications, relationship building, and people centred leadership, they will advance LAO’s strategic plan and strengthen access to justice across the province.

This is a publicly advertised job posting for an existing vacancy. The salary range for this position is $192,324 to $229,040, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package. LAO offers participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, health and dental coverage, and generous vacation entitlements.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

 

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

 

To Apply

To fill this position, Legal Aid Ontario has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/31024

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Legal Aid Ontario is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Legal Aid Ontario throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.