Staff Lawyer

Company Bio

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 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 a changing environment.

Required skills & experience
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Demonstrated Knowledge and experience of relevant family law legislation and in particular child protection law and in court experience in both family and child protection matters.
- Client focused
- Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
- Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Divorcemate and Legal Files
- Sound judgment and problem solving skills
- Results oriented individual and accountability
- Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to those who may be victims of domestic violence
- Demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
- Demonstrated Research Skills
- Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advise, as well as when representing clients in court.
- Ability to draft legal documents without need for review

**Preferred Skills & Experiences**:

- Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
- Prior family and CYFSA law experience
- Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
- Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues

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.

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