Current jobs related to Legal Counsel - Brockville - Family & Children's Services of Lanark, Leeds & Grenville

**Legal Counsel**

Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville is the amalgamated child protection agency for the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and the surrounding area. It was created in 2011 when the Children’s Aid Society of the County of Lanark and the Town of Smiths Falls, and the Family and Children’s Service of Leeds and Grenville united under a common umbrella. Serving a large geographic area of eastern Ontario, FCSLLG is a not-for-profit agency governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).

**Leading a dynamic organization**

The Legal Counsel must demonstrate strong leadership skills and the capacity to influence various stakeholders while acting in accordance with the highest professional standards of integrity and competence at all times.

Reporting to the Manager of Chief Counsel, the Legal Counsel will provide legal advice and representation to the Society and its staff on matters pertaining to its child welfare mandate and activities, and related matters.

**Key Qualifications and Leadership Competencies**
- Bachelor of Laws degree from a university of recognized standing.
- Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
- Prepare cases for presentation in court by co-ordinating the gathering of all information and evidence, drafting pleadings, preparing affidavits, briefs and other documents for filing with the court, and preparing witnesses.
- Negotiate settlements and promote alternative dispute resolution.
- Present cases in the court on behalf of the agency, from first appearance through contested motions, conferences, to trial, and/or the negotiation of settlements.
- Represent the Society in appeals brought by others and by the Society from orders under the CYFSA, at all levels of court, as required.
- Provide information, advice and counsel to Society workers on case preparation, required evidence and court procedures.
- Participate in the presentation of training programs on legal matters and procedures for agency staff, foster parents and others, including the preparation and delivery of speeches and/or presentations to various groups in the community interested in child welfare law.
- Document all legal advice and case activities in accordance with established procedures, including reporting to client in a timely fashion.
- Knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and Regulations, the Family Law Rules, the law of evidence.
- Knowledge of case preparation, presentation and litigation techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to provide sound legal advice and representation in complex matters with mínimal guidance and supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize work.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated commitment and ability to work as a team member.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and current oppressions experienced by people related to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation and then faced within the 2SLGBTTQIA+ communities;
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and current oppressions experienced by Indigenous peoples and racialized communities;
- Applies anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-indigenous racism and anti-2SLGBTTQIA+ lenses to social problems;
- Experience representing any Children's Aid Society, children or parents in child protection proceedings.

**This position will have the opportunity to sometimes work remotely but will be required to attend court in Perth, ON and Brockville, ON as well as in person meetings at our various office locations (Perth, Smiths Falls, Brockville).**
- Members from Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous communities
- Members of the Black community and other racialized groups
- Individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S+
- Varied religious or spiritual faith groups
- Individuals with visible and invisible disabilities
- Other members of equity deserving or marginalized communities

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $89,641.00-$106,715.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Brockville, ON K6V 6C5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brockville, ON K6V 6C5

Application deadline: 2023-09-05