Duty Counsel - Family (Permanent) Job at Legal Aid Ontario
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 Duty Counsel and deliver services in London in the West 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: London
Secondary & Tertiary locations can include travel to: St. Thomas and Woodstock, Munsee Delaware First Nations, Oneida and Chippewa of the Thames, N’Amerind. And possibly attendance at the shelters in St. Thomas, Strathroy, London – Wellington Road and Clarke Road locations.
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Assist unrepresented clients with 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.
- Other duties as assigned
- Work may be in person or virtually as required
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 being lead on family files
- Prior family and CYFSA law experience
- Client focused
- Ability to work independently in a busy paced environment
- Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom
- Experience with Divorcemate and Legal Files would be an asset.
- Sound judgment and problem solving skills
- Results oriented individual and accountability
- Teamwork and collaborative skills
- Ability to mentor others
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies, including Smartphones, Skype, Zoom, iPad and iPhones
- Demonstrated Research Skills
- Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advice, 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
- The ability to communicate (orally and written) in French is strongly preferred
Preferred Skills & Experiences:
- Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
- Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
- Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues and/or Domestic Violence issues
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
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.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
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.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.
Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.
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