Proficient with Microsoft Office and the video conferencing programs Teams and Zoom
Cynthia Kunkel
Orillia,ON
Summary
Proven adjudicator with a strong background in legal processes, demonstrated at Tribunals Ontario - Social Benefits Tribunal. Excelled in applying law with impartial judgment and analytical skills, achieving a 100% success rate in decision-writing timelines. Skilled in teamwork and collaboration, adept at managing complex cases and fostering fair, efficient resolutions. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjudicator
Tribunals Ontario - Social Benefits Tribunal
10.2015 - Current
- Effectively applied relevant law, rules and procedures using active adjudication when appropriate
- Consistently maintained a neutral and objective stance in decision-making processes
- Demonstrated understanding and respect for diversity while meeting accommodation needs
- Demonstrated exceptional ability to actively listen, grasp interests, and interpret positions of all parties
- Managed the hearing process to ensure timely dispute resolution
- Delivered fair and just rulings throughout hearings to ensure efficient resolution of cases
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail while examining evidence and submissions
- Made findings of fact, interpreted the relevant law, and prepared orders or decisions with reasons that reflected a comprehensive understanding of the issues and evidence in a clear, concise manner
- Engaged actively in panel discussions, fostering collaboration with peers to exchange insights, ideas, concerns, and expertise
- As an effective member, help to reduce case backlogs by effectively managing workload and meeting strict deadlines for resolution.
- Maintained a 97% success rate of compliance with internal decision-writing timelines of 30 days and 100 % with the legislated 60-days
- Comply with the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, and SJTO's Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Policy and Ethics Plan.
- Preserve confidentiality and respect privacy rights.
- Collaborated with attorneys, law enforcement, and other professionals to gather evidence for fair adjudication.
- Available to travel in Ontario for hearings, as required.
Paralegal
Community Legal Clinic - SHK
2003 - 2015
- Analyzed legal issues and interpreted legislation to formulate settlements or launch appeals in housing, social assistance, employment, consumer and criminal injuries law
- Maintained professionalism when dealing with vulnerable clients in stressful and confrontational situations
- Respected diverse cultures and vulnerable populations
- Offered summary advice and representation with social assistance, employment, housing and consumer law
- Effectively managed a large file load, gathered evidence and prepared clients for hearings
- Drafted legal claims and submissions
- Prepared and presented presentations on legal rights and responsibilities to community agencies, partners and the public
- Recruited, trained and supervised students and volunteers
Education
License Certificate - Paralegal
Law Society of Upper Canada
03.2012
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Relations
Humber College
Toronto, ON06.1994
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Western Ontario
London, ON06.1993
Skills
- Understanding of the justice system and the concepts of fairness, natural justice and the principles of administrative and human rights law
- Analytical, conceptual, problem-solving, decision-making skills
- Adjudication skills
- Legal writing
- Impartial judgment
- Examination skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational skills to manage a heavy workload with complex, ongoing processes
- Computer literacy
Affiliations
- Society of Adjudicators and Regulators
- Law Society of Upper Canada
Software
Timeline
Adjudicator
Tribunals Ontario - Social Benefits Tribunal
10.2015 - Current
Paralegal
Community Legal Clinic - SHK
2003 - 2015
License Certificate - Paralegal
Law Society of Upper Canada
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Relations
Humber College
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Western Ontario
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