Union: The Society
Job Number: J0223-1019
Job Title: Duty Counsel - Family (permanent)
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City, Province, Country: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: North Bay
Job Category: Legal
Job Classification: SL
Role Designation:
LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: February 27, 2023
Closing Date: March 13, 2023
Salary: $83,343.00 - $142,422.00/Year

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 oversee the delivery of family law duty counsel services in North Bay and throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts. This role may require travel throughout these Districts on occasion. As such, applicants with readily available transportation or an ability to rent a vehicle are preferred.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing bilingual client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person once in person services resume. 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; supervision of per diem duty counsels and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: North Bay
Secondary/tertiary locations: Nipissing & Parry Sound

Reports to: Manager of Legal Services, North (Northeast) District, Family

Key accountabilities

• Assessment of clients\xe2\x80\x99 needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.

• Provide summary legal advice to clients on family law and child protection matters and procedures, both virtually and in person, and acting as the Advice Lawyer in the Family Law Information Centre.

• Provide oral and written advocacy on behalf of clients. This includes providing advice and representation to persons appearing in court without counsel on a court list and assisting in obtaining adjournments as required.

• Representation at procedural and non-complex motions.

• Attendance and representation at conferences in matters dealing with issues of custody, access, support, child protection, support enforcement and other family law matters.

• Review court documents and assist in drafting pleadings and other documents.

• Oversee the administration and application of financial eligibility tests in accordance with LAO policy and ensuring high quality legal work in a cost effective manner.

• Provide family law services in the Ontario Court of Justice.

• Offer Enhanced Duty Counsel Services, up to and including hearings.

• Assist the Director-General and Manager in the administration of the duty counsel office, including assisting with the coordination of duty counsel services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.

• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.

• Assist with Panel Management, quality assurance and best practice measures.

• Assist with the preparation/management of operational and per diem budgets in conjunction with the District Office and Managers.

• Act as a liaison between Legal Aid Ontario, the judiciary, court services staff and the private bar, including sitting on local bench and bar committees and other consultation groups, on behalf of the Director-General.

• Travel may be required within the Districts to assist in satellite courts.

• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner

• 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 family law experience and knowledge of relevant family law legislation, including child protection law and FRO legislation with the ability to research and retrieve information as required

• Demonstrated experience handling complex family legal issues

• Experience practicing law as a family duty counsel including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family (SLAF), mediation, settlement conferences, etc.

• Client focused with personal motivation and accountability

• Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, and to lead in a fast-paced environment

• Sound judgment and problem solving skills

• Ability to work as a team with other Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, per diem Duty Counsel and Managers

• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and Regulations

• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other office applications. Experience with DivorceMate and PeopleSoft is an asset.

• Access to a vehicle or ability to rent a vehicle is preferred as this position may require travel within the District and to satellite courts.

To apply submit a cover letter & r\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

This position is collectively represented by the Society of United Professionals (The Society) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

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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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 M\xc3\xa9tis 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.