Articling Student

Ontario Nurses' Association•Toronto, ON

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is Canada’s largest nurses’ union, representing 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, and 18,000 nursing student affiliates. ONA's mission is to defend the rights of and advocate for nurses and health-care professionals, empower members, fight against unfair treatment, negotiate contracts, offer benefits and insurance, and provide education and development opportunities. ONA is offering an articling position for the 2026/2027 term, providing a unique opportunity for a student interested in practicing labour law. As in-house counsel, the student will be integrated into ONA's operations, gaining insight into complex legal issues and developing advocacy skills through hands-on litigation experience with their own files.

Requirements

Demonstrated interest in labour law.
Strong commitment to social justice.
High academic achievement.
Strong writing skills.
Strong advocacy skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Cover letter.
Resume.
Transcripts (law school and undergraduate degrees).
A writing sample.
Three reference letters with contact information for the referees.
A list of courses being taken in 3rd year.

Nice To Haves

Interest in practicing in labour law.
Opportunity to expand practice to include legal services offered uniquely by ONA to its members.

Responsibilities

Participating in the union movement from the inside.
Gaining insight into the many complex legal issues that arise for ONA members.
Developing advocacy skills by being provided with hands-on litigation experience with carriage over their own files.
Being an integrated part of the Legal Department, specifically the Litigation Team.
Delivering legal services to ONA staff and membership, litigating extensively on complex and important labour and human rights issues impacting membership.
Engaging in labour arbitration and proceedings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
Expanding practice to include legal services offered uniquely by ONA to its members, if interested.
Being directly involved in files such as Grievance Arbitrations, Proceedings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunal Applications, Professional Disciplinary Proceedings, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act appeals.
Conducting legal research.
Providing summary advice and legal opinions.
Drafting pleadings, communications, and legal submissions.
Attending client meetings.
Preparing witnesses to testify.
Assisting in the crafting of legal argument.
Attending mediations and hearings.
Actively participating at hearings under the supervision of counsel.