Job Description

Union: The Society

Job Number: J1223-0163

Job Title: Duty Counsel, Family

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: December 14, 2023

Closing Date: December 31, 2023

Salary: $88,418.59 - $151,095.50/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.

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 M\xc3\xa9tis, 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 Staff Lawyer in the Family Law Service Centre (FLSC) in Toronto.

FLSC lawyers are responsible for providing client service for family law matters through the Family Law Service Centre and in the courthouse, both virtually and in person once in person services resume. FLSC lawyers 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 acting as counsel of record to certificate eligible clients as needed, 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; providing advice lawyer services at Domestic Violence (DV) shelters and through the FLSC and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: Toronto Family Law Service Centre
Secondary and Tertiary Locations: 311 Jarvis and Ontario Court of Justice

Reporting to: Manager, Family Law Service Centre

Key accountabilities

• Assessment of clients\' 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 Advice Clinics offered through the FLSC and at DV shelters.
• 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 and Superior Court of Justice.
• Offer Enhanced Duty Counsel Services, up to and including hearings.
• Act as counsel of record for certificate eligible clients for clients unable to secure private bar lawyers as needed
• Assist the Manager of FLSCs in the administration of the FLSC office, including assisting with the coordination of family law services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.
• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.
• Travel may be required within the District 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 Family Responsibility Office (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 or lawyer including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family (SLAF), mediation, settlement conferences, trials 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, Legal Files and PeopleSoft is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

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 represented by the Society 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.

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