Job Description

Union: The Society
Job Number: J0625-1028
Job Title: Staff Lawyer - Family
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City, Province, Country: Cobourg, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Cobourg
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: July 14, 2025
Closing Date: July 25, 2025
Salary: $90,186.96 - $154,117.41/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 Metis, 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

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To act as Family Staff Lawyer based in Cobourg, ON. Family Staff Lawyer is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse in person. Family Staff Lawyer 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: Cobourg

Secondary/Tertiary Locations: Peterborough & Lindsay

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services - Tri-County

Key accountabilities

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1. Legal Services Provide family law duty counsel services, including preparation of court documents for eligible clients. Represent clients in Unified Family Court at first appearances, case conferences, settlement conferences, motions, negotiations, and other necessary proceedings.

2. Assist unrepresented clients with CYFSA (Child, Youth, and Family Services Act) matters. Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC).Offer legal advice through the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family law matters.

3. Client and Case Management Maintain client files and conflict lists. Record data and produce reports as required.

4. Quality Assurance Ensure high-quality legal work in a cost-effective manner.

Required skills & experience

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1. Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

2. Legal Expertise Strong background in family law and child protection law. Knowledge of all relevant family and child protection legislation.

3. Technical and Communication Skills, Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. Experience with DivorceMate and Legal Files (preferred but not required).Ability to use modern communication tools, including Smartphones, Skype, Zoom, iPads, and iPhones.

4. Workplace Skills Client-focused with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Sound judgment and problem-solving skills. Personal motivation, accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

5. Research Skills Ability to research and retrieve legal information as needed.



Preferred Skills & Experience

1. Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate.

2. Interest in Specialized Areas Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues. Training or experience advocating for individuals with mental health issues.

3. French language skills will be considered as an asset



To apply submit a cover letter & resume.



Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.



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.



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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