Duty Counsel - Family

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 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 Duty Counsel and deliver services in Oshawa (Durham Region) in the Central East District. This role may require providing assistance to other court locations within the Central East District.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in-person. Family Duty Counsel 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 proceedings, up to and including trials; and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: Oshawa Courthouse
Secondary Location(s): n/a

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Provide summary legal advice services at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) virtual means
• Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers and
students in reviewing and drafting of court documents
• Provide representation in the Superior Court of Justice (Unified Family Court) for both family law and child protection matters, at various stages of a proceeding, up to and including trials
• Represent clients in family and child protection matters through the LAO certificate program
• Advocate for clients in court, and assist in the review and drafting of court documents and forms
• Refer clients to appropriate resources, i.e. mediation, the certificate program, domestic violence organizations and mental health agencies, as required
• Assist eligible self-represented clients with LAO family settlement conferences, as required
• Act as a liaison between Legal Aid Ontario, the judiciary, court services staff and the private bar
• Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner
• Maintain client files and conflict lists
• Apply the financial eligibility tests in accordance with Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) policy
• Record data and produce reports as required and within established reporting times
• 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
• Minimum of two years’ experience in family and child protection law, including sound knowledge and experience with relevant legislation
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with complex family law and child protection matters
• In-court experience in both family and child protection matters
• Experience in managing and having primary responsibility for family and CYFSA files
• Ability to work independently and to be able to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Personal motivation and accountability
• Ability to independently draft legal documents
• Ability to work effectively in a team with other staff lawyers, per diem Duty Counsel and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Ability to accurately and effectively communicate with clients
• Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable clients
• Results oriented and client focused
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health and domestic abuse issues
• Awareness and knowledge of impact of criminal law or immigration proceedings on family law
• Sound knowledge of LAO’s operations and mandate
• Sound legal research skills
• Demonstrated ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, Divorcemate and Legal Files
• Ability to assist clients in French or other languages is an asset To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
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.

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.