Duty Counsel, Family

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.

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.

Primary function
To act as Family Duty Counsel and deliver services in the Family Court at 311 Jarvis Street in the Toronto District. This role may require travel throughout the district on occasion.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person. Family Duty Counsel will be responsible for the intake and assessment of family law clients to determine the appropriate service for the clients, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting, reviewing and commissioning of family court documents and pleadings such as Applications, Answers, Motions, Affidavits and Financial Statements; in court representation at various stages of a family court and/or child protection proceeding; and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: 311 Jarvis
Secondary and Tertiary Locations: Toronto District (47 Sheppard, Family Law Service Centre)

Key accountabilities
Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers, preparation of court documents for eligible clients, make appropriate referrals when required, including to mediation services
Providing representation in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ), at first appearances, conferences, motions, negotiations, Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters, Children’s Aid Societies matters and other court hearings and services as required
Advocate for clients in court and on court forms
Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters (with document preparation and in court appearances)
Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC) and other advice clinics as required
Provide advice lawyer services on the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family
Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
Maintain client files and conflict lists
Record data and produce reports as required and within established reporting times.
Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
Required skills & experience
Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
Demonstrated experience dealing with complex family law matter and of strong knowledge of relevant family law legislation and in particular child protection law, including in court experience. Experience being lead on family and CYFSA files.
Client focused
Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment and provide
Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Divorcemate and Legal Files
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Results oriented individual and accountability
Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to those who may be victims of domestic violence
Demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
Demonstrated Research Skills
Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advise, as well as when representing clients in court.
Ability to draft legal documents without need for review
Ability to assist others with reviewing drafted documents.

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
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.

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Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-87XXXXXX or email support: [email protected].