Staff Lawyer

Union: The Society
- Job Number: J0324-1152
- Job Title: Staff Lawyer - Family (24 months)
- Job Type: Contract
- Contract Duration: 24 months
- City, Province, Country: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
- Job Location: Sarnia and area
- 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: April 3, 2024
- Closing Date: April 17, 2024
- Salary: $90,186.96 - $154,117.41/YearLegal 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 Métis, 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 Family Law Service Centre (FLSC) lawyer and deliver services.

This role at the FLSC is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person. This role 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, Plans of Care; in court representation at various stages of a family court and/or child protection proceeding; for providing Advice Lawyer services to clients seeking family law advice from the FLSC and at the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) shelter; and other duties as assigned.

As per Legal Aid Ontario’s Hybrid Work Policy, this role has been designated as LAO Workplace based: Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace up to five (5) days per week with the potential for hybrid work based on the nature of the role, and as client service and operational needs permit.

Home location: Sarnia Family Law Service Centre
Secondary/Tertiary location(s): Sarnia Courthouse and Walpole Island Court

Reporting to: Manager, Family Law Service Centre

**Key accountabilities**:

- Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers (and students), preparation of court documents for eligible clients, make appropriate referrals when required, including to mediation services
- Providing representation in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) at first appearances, conferences, motions, negotiations, Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters, Children’s Aid Societies matters and other court hearings and services as required
- Advocate for clients in court and on court forms
- Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
- Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters (with document preparation and in court appearances)
- Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Service Center (FLSC) and other advice clinics as required
- Provide advice lawyer services to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) shelter clients
- 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.
- Assessment of clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
- Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in