Legal Services Manager

at  Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child Family Services

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Services Manager provides leadership in overseeing the legal counsel and legal disclosure teams. The incumbent maintains a caseload, representing the Agency in all matters prescribed with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), the Federal Legislation, the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Family Law Rules and any other relevant legislation.
The incumbent understands the importance of seeking alternative approaches outside of the legal system that will result in preserving relationships, protecting cultural identity and promoting healing. The Legal Services Manager provides advice and guidance that respects the rights and well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families, and supports solutions that reduce reliance on formal court processes and contributes to positive and sustainable outcomes.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree, LL.B. or Juris Doctor from an accredited university.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in litigation and in Family Law, representing children, parents or a Children’s Aid Society / Indigenous Child Wellbeing Agency.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience supervising and leading staff.
• Experience advocating for the welfare of Indigenous children, with a commitment to culturally sensitive and trauma-informed legal practices.

KNOWLEDGE:

• A solid understanding of and sensitivity to the experiences of First Nations and Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the impact of the legacy of Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop upon them is essential.
• Superior knowledge of relevant legislative framework and polices reflecting current child welfare practice.
• Sound knowledge of the case law, i.e. judicial decisions regarding the above legislation.
• Working knowledge of the legal disclosure process and its application within the context of child welfare.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous service delivery, culture and traditions in responding to child welfare concerns.
• Expert knowledge, understanding of and ability to translate relevant legislation into Agency based language.

ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to ensure the assignment of work is balanced and equitable and provide oversight that is consistent in the provisions of legal services.
• Capacity to integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices into legal services while practicing cultural humility, recognizing and addressing one’s own biases, and continually learning from Indigenous communities.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and support a team, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Effective in mentoring and developing others, encouraging professional growth and cultural competence.
• Skilled in navigating and challenging systemic barriers to ensure equitable treatment and services.
• Ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations, balancing legal requirements with cultural considerations and an anti-oppressive lens.
• Strong problem-solving skills and conflict resolution, with the capacity to develop innovative solutions that respect Indigenous values and community needs.
• Written communication skills to prepare correspondence, draft court documentation, and write legal opinions, draft contracts, etc.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate and explain information and present arguments in a court setting.
• Strong technical aptitude and skilled in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), data bases and reporting tools.
• Negotiation and decision-making skills to negotiate settlements in court cases, determine course of action during court hearings and to mediate.
• Research skills to research points of law, both in court proceedings and in providing day-to-day legal advice to the Agency.
• Organizational skills to effectively prepare and implement the presentation of a case in court.
• Skilled in teaching others through the facilitation of training and development sessions and the development of resources and tools.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with different disciplines, frequently in a setting where there are conflicting interests.
• Monitor performance of Legal team and develop work plans.

Please refer the Job description for details