Paralegal

What we seek:

OCH is currently seeking a dedicated Paralegal, to provide legal advice and legal services to operations staff related to the Residential Tenancies Act and other matters within the parameters authorized by the Law Society of Ontario. Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate, the Paralegal will represent OCH at the Landlord and Tenant Board with respect to tenant applications and landlord “for‑cause” eviction cases.

The Paralegal will function within the Legal Services team, to aid in the efficient and effective delivery of legal services to the corporation.

At OCH, we strive to deliver quality services and promote safe and healthy communities. As a Paralegal, you will be at the forefront of this objective by using your expertise to support our Legal Services team.

• In accordance with Law Society of Ontario rules, provides legal advice and legal services to operations staff on Residential Tenancies Act requirements for prosecution of “for cause” eviction applications at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
• In accordance with Law Society of Ontario rules, provides legal advice and legal services to operations staff on Residential Tenancies Act requirements for defence of tenant applications (maintenance, harassment, interference or provincial offences) at the LTB, including any referred by OCH Collections.
• Meets with staff regularly to provide proactive legal information and advice to aid in preservation of safe and healthy communities for our tenants and staff who work within our communities.
• Leads proactive tenant eviction prevention through collaboration and problem solving with tenants, external stakeholders, and team members within OCH.
• Leads LTBL Litigation process for complex Landlord Tenant Board matters including:
  • Landlord applications based on substantial interference, willful or negligent damage, illegal activity, fraudulent receipt of RGI, serious impairment of safety, illegal assignment or sublet of units.
  • Tenant applications for breach of maintenance obligations, harassment or interference, or applications alleging RTA provincial offences (illegal lock‑outs, harassment, illegal entry) under the Act.
• Leads above litigation process, including:
  • Approves and signs off on draft legal documents submitted by Administrative Assistant for Paralegal’s signature.
  • Drafting pleadings, notices, motions and applications.
  • Monitoring deadlines and limitation periods applicable to RTA matters.
  • Leads hearing preparation to ensure witnesses are supported, prepared for hearing process, review direct and cross‑examination questions.
  • Reviewing or preparing as required documentary disclosure for litigation, assessing in the context of privacy legislation and Statutory Powers and Procedures Act, and LTB Rules of Procedure.
  • Responding to calls and queries, as well as engaging in negotiations with tenants and tenant legal representatives on litigation files.
  • Meets with and prepares witnesses for hearings including tenants and staff.
  • Meets with and prepares professionals required to testify, including police officers, property standards officers, by‑law officers, contractors and expert witnesses.
  • Conducts advanced legal research on legislation, rules of procedure and case law and prepares and submits written and oral legal arguments as required to support cases.
  • Represents OCH at LTB hearings: examines witnesses, submits evidence and exhibits, makes legal arguments in support of requested outcome.
  • Prepares and commissions affidavits.
  • Prepares written submissions and argument.
  • Conducts direct examination of OCHC witnesses and cross‑examinations of opposing witnesses in accordance with the rules of evidence.
  • Submits documentary and digital exhibits in accordance with the rules of evidence.
  • Negotiates agreements and settlements of cases.
  • Addresses interim matters at the LTB such as case conferences, motions, adjournments and scheduling before the Board.
  • Prepares motions to request reviews of orders based on errors of law as required.
• Handles Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act cases:
  Upon receipt of declaration or consumer proposal, prepares…