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.
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 North York Family Court (47 Sheppard). The North York Family Court is a high volume court with clients with complex and varying needs which making for a demanding and challenging work environment for duty counsel staff. This position will appeal to a lawyer with experience in a broad range of family proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a dynamic and busy workplace. The preferred candidate will be a self-starter with substantial family law experience in the private or public sector who is familiar with LAO family duty counsel services.
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: North York Family Court (47 Sheppard)
Secondary/tertiary locations: Not Applicable
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Act as Family Duty Counsel in both domestic and child protection matters in the Ontario Court of Justice, including First Appearance Court, Case Conferences, Family Responsibility office (FRO) matters, CYFSA matters, emergency hearings, and other court matters, as required
- Make referrals to the Family Law Service Centres, mediation, the certificate program, domestic violence organizations and mental health agencies, as required
- Provide summary legal advice services in the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) or summary legal advice family (SLAF) lines as required
- Ensure a high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
- Assess clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
- Administer and apply the financial eligibility tests in accordance with Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) policy
- Record data and produce reports as required
- Assist with administrative tasks and other duties are assigned
- Maintain client files and conflict lists
- 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
- Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant family law legislation and in particular, child protection law
- Demonstrated experience acting as Duty Counsel in both domestic and child protection proceedings
- Ability to work as a team with other staff lawyers and per diem Duty Counsel
- Demonstrated ability to be solution-oriented and problem solve
- Collaborative skills and client focused
- Knowledge of impact of criminal law or immigration proceedings on family law
- Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
- Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
- Sound judgment and problem solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to those who may be victims of domestic violence
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including smartphones and the ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
- Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advice, as well as when representing clients in court
- Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Experience with Divorcemate, Legal Files and Peoplesoft would be an asset
Preferred Skills & Experiences:
- Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
- Prior family and CYFSA Duty Counsel experience
- Training or advocacy experience in relation to vulnerable clients, such as those experiencing domestic violence or mental health
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.
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