Job Description

The Department of Justice and Public Safety is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our
The purpose of Children's Lawyers is to represent children in family law matters relating to parenting time and decision-making responsibility and, subject to legislative authority, in Director of Child Protection matters. For the most part, the files in which Children's Lawyers become involved are complex and high conflict.
Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Provide legal services to the Office of the Children's Lawyer by acting as Counsel to Children in high-conflict family law matters involving children;
• Subject to legislative authority, provide legal services to the Office of the Children's Lawyer by acting as counsel to children in Director of Child Protection matters;
• Where appropriate, meet with children to obtain their views, preferences, and instructions;
• Appear at court settlement meetings, hearings, and trials on behalf of children;
• Liaise with legal representatives, the judiciary, and other government and community organizations;
• Promote and help facilitate the resolution of the child client's family law matters outside of court (e.g. through mediation or negotiation), where appropriate;
• Other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a law degree from a recognized university and be a practicing member of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island or be eligible for registration;
• Candidates must have extensive experience as a practicing lawyer (a minimum of 5 years at the Bar) and at least 5 years of experience in the area of Family Law. Applicants who have less than 5 years' experience in Family Law (but still 5+ years at the Bar), may be considered for provisional appointments if they have significant educational or practice experience relevant to Family Law requirements;
• Must have extensive litigation experience, particularly in matters involving parenting time and decision-making responsibility;
• Must have completed related human services work (i.e. conflict resolution, suicide prevention, etc.).
• Must have experience dealing with high conflict families, and aggression and de-escalation of anger including experience applying positive problem-solving approaches;
• Must have experience drafting court documentation;
• Must have a demonstrated knowledge of the Children's Law Act, the Divorce Act, the Judicature Act, and the Rules of Civil Procedure;
• Must have a demonstrated ability to use legal research databases;
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Must have experience with alternate dispute resolution;
• Must have family violence prevention training;
• Must have a good work and attendance record.

Other Qualifications:

• Child interviewing skills/training, knowledge of the stages of child development and knowledge of family systems theory would be an asset;
• A degree in Social Work or Psychology would be considered an asset;
• Additional relevant education and experience will be considered an asset

Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE.
Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at . Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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