Duty Counsel - Family

at  Legal Aid Ontario

COMPANY BIO

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.
As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.
If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Providing full legal services in the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice through the Kenora and Rainy River Districts
• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.
• Travel may be required within the District to assist in satellite courts.
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Maintain client files
• Assessment of clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
• Provide summary legal advice to clients on family law and child protection matters and procedures, both virtually and in person, and acting as the Advice Lawyer in the Family Law Advice Clinics offered through the FLSC and at DV shelters.
• Oversee the administration and application of financial eligibility tests in accordance with LAO policy and ensuring high quality legal work in a cost effective manner
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

Staff Lawyer

• Act as counsel of record for certificate eligible clients for clients unable to secure private bar lawyers as needed
• Provide oral and written advocacy on behalf of clients. This includes providing advice and representation to persons appearing in court without counsel on a court list and assisting in obtaining adjournments as required
• Representation at procedural and non-complex motions
• Attendance and representation at conferences in matters dealing with issues of custody, access, support, child protection, support enforcement and other family law matters.
• Review court documents and assist in drafting pleadings and other documents.

Family Duty Counsel

• Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers and students; preparation of court documents for eligible clients; and make appropriate referrals when required, including referrals to mediation services
• Provide representation in the in Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice at first appearances; conferences; motions; negotiations; Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters; child protection matters; and other court hearings and services as required
• Advocate for clients in court and assist in the preparation of court documents and forms
• Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
• Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
• Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC) and other advice clinics as required
• Offer Enhanced Duty Counsel Services, up to and including hearings

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant family law legislation and in particular child protection law, and in court experience in both family and child protection matters. Experience in having sole carriage of family law files.
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Sound legal research skills
• Ability to draft legal documents independently
• Results oriented individual, prepared to assume accountability for files
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Effective assessment of clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Ability to accurately and fluently communicate with clients while providing advice and while representing them in court
• Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to vulnerable clients and to those who may be victims of domestic violence
• Demonstrated experience in collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, Divorcemate and Legal Files
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones, and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms to deliver services virtually, i.e. Zoom and Teams

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

• Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s procedures, processes and policies
• Prior family and CYFSA law experience
• Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire.
First preference will given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.
Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Please refer the Job description for details