Staff Lawyer - Family (24 months)

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.

Primary function

To act as Family Staff Lawyer based in Ottawa within the Eastern District.
Family Staff Lawyer is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse in person. Family Staff Lawyer 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: Ottawa Courthouse
Secondary/Tertiary Locations: n/a

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services - Ottawa District

Key accountabilities

1. Legal Services
Provide family law duty counsel services, including preparation of court documents for eligible clients.
Represent clients in Unified Family Court at first appearances, case conferences, settlement conferences, motions, negotiations, and other necessary proceedings.
Assist unrepresented clients with CYFSA (Child, Youth, and Family Services Act) matters.
Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC).
Offer legal advice through the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family law matters.
2. Client and Case Management
Maintain client files and conflict lists.
Record data and produce reports as required.
3. Quality Assurance
Ensure high-quality legal work in a cost-effective manner.

Required skills & experience

1. Professional Qualifications
Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
2. Legal Expertise
Strong background in family law and child protection law.
Knowledge of all relevant family and child protection legislation.
3. Technical and Communication Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with DivorceMate and Legal Files (preferred but not required).
Ability to use modern communication tools, including Smartphones, Skype, Zoom, iPads, and iPhones.
4. Workplace Skills
Client-focused with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Personal motivation, accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
5. Research Skills
Ability to research and retrieve legal information as needed.

Preferred Skills & Experience
1. Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario
Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate.
2. Interest in Specialized Areas
Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues.
Training or experience advocating for individuals with mental health issues.
3. Language
French will be considered as an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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 be 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.

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.

 

Canada
Ontario
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