Seasonal Law Specialist

Karis Disability Services (formally Christian Horizons) is a non-profit organization that operates in Ontario Saskatchewan and overseas in places like Ethiopia and Haiti. We have been serving people with disabilities for 60 years. Our Vision is that people with disabilities belong to communities where their God-given gifts are valued and celebrated. Every role in our organization plays a vital role in achieving this and our goal is to find a candidate who can help us achieve our Values Vision and Mission. Learn more about Karis Disability Services.

Full-Time Temporary (8 Weeks)

Seasonal Law Specialist

(35 hours/week)

Waterloo Ontario

The Seasonal Law Specialist will assist the Legal Department within Karis Disability Services a large complex charity-funded organization for the provision of services to persons with disabilities. The work undertaken by the Seasonal Law Specialist will play an important role in helping Karis Disability Services mission of helping people with disabilities accomplish their goals and nurturing communities in which everybody belongs.

The Seasonal Law Specialist will take direction from both General Counsel and Legal Counsel along with employees of the Legal Department. Primarily the Seasonal Law Specialist will be required to research and provide recommendations to General Counsel and Legal Counsel on a wide variety of matters involving the following legal categories: administrative law capacity issues corporate governance issues including corporate restructuring commercial leases copyright criminal human resources human rights issues including equity diversity and inclusion labour relations not-for-profit and charity law personal injury poverty issues purchases and sales of both residential and commercial real estate residential tenancies and social housing matters tax trademarks trusts and wills and estates.

The Seasonal Law Specialist will have opportunities to attend a wide variety of meetings including consultations with external counsel grievances arbitrations and hearings.

The Seasonal Law Specialist will also assist with various legal transaction as they arise and identify gaps where due diligence reviews are necessary along with developing effective risk management protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature reviews for legal issues.
• Propose and utilize methods and techniques for conducting research.
• Identify gaps where due diligence considerations are advised.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
• As outlined in specific projects will be required to work with people outside the corporate office.
• Communication with people from Karis Disability Services may include contact via phone e-mail or in person with support workers program managers and people using our services.
• Represent the interests of Karis Disability Services in a respectful and professional manner in outside professional settings such as the local law library and various Law Society sponsored events.

Requirements:

• Funded through the 2026 Canada Summer Jobs Program the candidate will work 35 hours a week for 8 weeks. The successful candidate should be between the ages of 18 to 30 at the start of employment be a Canadian citizen permanent resident or refuge and be legally entitled to work in Canada as per the Canada Summer Jobs participant eligibility criteria.
• Currently or previously enrolled in Law School.
• General knowledge of Canadian statutes and case law.
• General awareness of both the civil and criminal judicial processes to assist people supported to advance their personal interests.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational time management problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.

Why Should You Apply

• Gain valuable experience in the field of Law
• Competitive Wages
• Career Development and Training Opportunities

Application Deadline: May:00 am

Expected Start Date: June 1 2026 Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to General Counsel containing a detailed summary of relevant qualifications and reasons for interest in this position via the link.

Hourly rate: $22.02

Karis Disability Services seeks to hire a workforce that represents the diversity of the communities where we serve. We are committed to promoting communities of belonging where Black Indigenous and People of Colour feel valued respected represented and heard. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from members of groups with historical or current barriers to equity. We seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities consistent with our Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

Required Experience:

IC