Ontario Lawyer - Expert​/Senior

Staff Lawyer – Ontario Region

Location:

Ottawa or Toronto
• 35 weekly hours
• Full‑time permanent
• Salary: $110,000‑$130,000 annually (based on year of call).

Reports to:

Managing Lawyer – Ontario Region. Office requirement:
Hybrid, 2 days per week in office. Desired year of call: 12+ years.

Ecojustice is Canada’s largest environmental law charity. Our mission is to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. We do three things: represent citizens and organizations in court; push for better laws through testimony and recommendations; engage the public to change the conversation.

As a Staff Lawyer you will work at the forefront of environmental law on precedent‑setting cases. You will collaborate with passionate lawyers, advocates, and communications professionals, and work with experts such as doctors, scientists, and community leaders to represent clients—including impacted communities, Indigenous Nations, coalition groups, nature itself, and others.

From applying existing laws to advancing legislation and strengthening regulations, you will help shape policies that protect public health and deliver environmental justice. If you’re ready to use your legal skills to create lasting change, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

• Develop and carry complex litigation in provincial and federal courts and tribunals.
• Manage new and existing cases from start to finish.
• Support law reform and other work identified as priorities for Ecojustice.
• Contribute as a Program (Climate, Nature, Healthy Communities) team member by researching and developing files, contributing to program teamwork plans, and evaluating proposed projects.
• Keep up‑to‑date on new developments in relevant areas of law, undertaking reasonable training to maximize expertise.
• Assist program peers in training and maintain the highest practice standards.
• Maintain professional case and file management.
• Share administrative tasks, including interviewing new staff, supervising, and mentoring students, and responding to new case inquiries.
• Guide and collaborate with communications staff to develop communication opportunities.
• Attend and participate at fundraising or other profile‑raising events (external/internal).

We embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation (JEDI‑R) into all aspects of our organization. Candidates come from diverse backgrounds. This level typically requires 12–15 years of call and significant litigation experience, but we welcome applications from candidates who believe their combination of skills and experience qualifies them for the position.

• Juris Doctor (JD).
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Target of 12‑15+ years of call with minimum 10 years litigation experience.
• Ability to litigate cases from beginning to end.
• First chair litigation experience in matters before a trial court, appellate court, or government tribunal.
• Ability to explain legal and scientific information to the general public.
• Experience in environmental, Indigenous or Aboriginal law is an asset.
• Initiative to research, develop, and run cases independently or as a team lead.
• Experience mentoring and supporting early‑career staff and providing feedback.
• Commitment to working in a diverse, collaborative team environment across Canada.
• Enthusiasm for building partnerships with equity‑deserving groups and applying JEDI‑R values daily.

Ecojustice is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and to advancing reconciliation. We encourage applicants from communities that have been structurally marginalized. If you need accommodations during the application process, please contact

• Generous time off – 4 weeks vacation (increasing to 6 weeks) and an annual winter break.
• Public holidays – 14 holidays, 2 floater days, and 4 paid hours/month for personal life.
• Comprehensive benefits – 100% employer‑paid extended health coverage, mental health allowance, paramedical expenses, and vision care.
• Financial wellness – 5% RRSP match after one year and a $500 annual wellness spending account.
• Hybrid work structure – 2 days per week in office with equipment reimbursement up to $500.
• Family support – Employee & Family Assistance Program; parental leave top‑up for all parents.
• Inclusive leave policies – flexible options for health, caregiving, volunteering, and life events.
• Recognized excellence – ranked among Canada’s Top 100 charities.
• Collaborative culture – high mission alignment and manager support ratings.
• Growth & learning – opportunities to advance near‑parental justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.