Duty Counsel, Family (18 months)

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 Law Duty Counsel and deliver services in Lindsay, Peterborough and Cobourg courthouses, both in-person and virtually, with a focus on services in the City of Kawartha Lakes/Lindsay area.

Family Duty Counsel lawyers are responsible for providing in-person and virtual client services in the Superior Court of Justice - Unified Family Court in the Tri-Counties (Lindsay, Peterborough and Cobourg). Family Duty Counsel are 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.

This position will appeal to a lawyer experienced in a broad range of family proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a busy workplace, both in-person and online

Reporting to: The Manager of Legal Services, Central East District

Key accountabilities

• Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers and students; preparation of court documents for eligible clients; and make appropriate referrals when required, including referrals to mediation services
• Provide representation in the Superior Court of Justice (Unified Family Court) at first appearances; conferences; motions; negotiations; Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters; child protection matters; and other court hearings and services as required
• Advocate for clients in court and assist in the preparation of court documents and forms
• Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
• Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
• Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC) and other advice clinics as required
• Provide advice lawyer services on the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family law
• Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner
• Maintain client files
• Maintain client lists to carry out conflict checks
• 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
• 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. Experience in having sole carriage of family law files.
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Sound legal research skills
• Ability to draft legal documents independently
• Results oriented individual, prepared to assume accountability for files
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Effective assessment of clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Ability to accurately and fluently communicate with clients while providing advice and while representing them in court
• Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to vulnerable clients and to those who may be victims of domestic violence
• Demonstrated experience in collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, Divorcemate and Legal Files
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones, and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms to deliver services virtually, i.e. Zoom and Teams

Preferred Skills & Experiences:
• Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s procedures, processes and policies
• Prior family and CYFSA law experience
• Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues


To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

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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Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com