JUNIor associate

Role: Permanent, full-time

Location: Toronto (hybrid in-office/work from home)

Application deadline: February 28, 2025, at 5:00 pm

Start date: Flexible

About the firm:

Rudnicki & Company is a progressive criminal defence firm located in Toronto. We are criminal lawyers who believe in a world without prisons. Our prime directive is to serve our clients by keeping them free. We defend accused persons at trial, help convicted persons pursue appeals against conviction and sentence, and advise witnesses and victims at all stages of the criminal process. Our lawyers argue serious and precedent-setting matters at all levels of court.

Job description:

We are looking for a junior associate to support our appellate practice. You will help appellate counsel to prepare and argue criminal appeals, primarily at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. If you want to work with a progressive team while gaining hands-on experience with a competitive and specialized area of criminal law, this job is for you.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting factum-writing through drafting transcript summaries, issue-spotting and identifying potential grounds of appeal, and writing initial drafts of pleadings;

  • Preparing focused research memoranda on discrete areas of law;

  • Supporting administrative staff with the work necessary to assemble the record for the appeal (ordering transcripts and reviewing for completion, requisitioning exhibits and assembling them into appeal books, etc);

  • Assisting counsel in the preparation of bail pending appeal applications and other motions, including legal research and affidavit preparation;

  • Second chairing during oral argument;

  • Appearing for the firm’s clients in practice, status, and purge court; and

  • Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be licensed to practise by the Law Society of Ontario. Licensing candidates will not be considered for this role.

 

This role is for a sharp writer, avid reader, and keen follower of the criminal law. You must have a strong grasp of foundational criminal law principles, developed through approximately 1-3 years of relevant experience. You must be a talented legal researcher, with a knack for finding the right case for the right issue. You must be capable of processing large volumes of material in pursuit of the most concise and compelling argument. You must work efficiently and manage multiple competing priorities. You should enjoy solving tough problems, forging theory into practical tools, and above all, helping people.

 

The ideal candidate thinks critically, works independently, and sees the practice of law as a means of achieving just results for individual clients while contributing to the progressive development of the legal system as a whole. Our lawyers make creative submissions to push the boundaries of the law in equitable directions. We invite you to join us in this project.

 

Rudnicki & Company takes mentorship seriously. In addition to working together on the firm’s files, we regularly discuss emerging legal issues and make funds available for continuing professional development. Together with lead counsel, you will develop and monitor performance goals to ensure your career is developing the way you want it to.

 

Rudnicki & Company is dedicated to maintaining an equitable workplace that reflects the full diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage and will give preference to applications from equity-seeking groups.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $65,000-80,000 per year. Benefits include first-in-class health coverage, LawPro insurance, Law Society fees, and professional development and technology stipends. Permanent employees at Rudnicki & Company are entitled to three weeks of paid vacation, plus two weeks off during our annual end-of-year break. This position is eligible for annual salary review and increases commensurate with skills and experience.

How to apply:

Apply by forwarding your cover letter, resumé, and a short writing sample as a single PDF to Chris Rudnicki at info@rudnickilaw.com. All applications will be held in confidence. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Rudnicki & Company is committed to an equal opportunity recruitment process. Accommodations are available to all applicants upon request.