Staff Lawyer - Summary Legal Advice Phone Program (24 months)

This position is responsible for supporting the mandate of the SLA Phone Program including the provision of legal services in family and criminal law over the telephone to clients across the province. The Summary Legal Advice (SLA) department has provincial scope and provides a frontline upfront service option for eligible clients with criminal or family matters that is separate yet integrated with duty counsel and certificate services. The Program supports the work of Duty Counsel (DC) and the Client and Lawyer Service Center (CLSC) by filling identified service gaps between the two service groups by providing clients with legal information and/or advice regarding their legal matters. The SLA department acts as the centralized phone intake (via a live call queue and/or a call back service) program by reviewing matters that are not outright eligible for certificate services as determined by the CLSC, providing the client with legal information and/or advice, including next steps and actions to take for their case, setting the client up for service by duty counsel on their next appearance, or referring the client to the most appropriate information or third party service to continue their case. The successful candidates will be primarily assigned to family law matters.

Home Location: The successful lawyers may reside anywhere within the Province of Ontario

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services - SLA Phone Program

• Assessment of the client need to determine the appropriate service for the client, including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made
• Interviewing clients by phone to gather necessary information (case history) required for decision-making
• Provision of legal assistance and advice on a case by case basis depending on client need
• Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base (Peoplesoft)
• Be available daily to take live calls for legal advice on specific defined "emergency" situations
• Communicate with and refer to other service providers within the Regional Services Department including DC and FLSC across the province to ensure client continuity of services
• Make entitlement decisions (including ongoing eligibility) based on LAO's legal eligibility policies and guidelines

• Sound knowledge and experience of family law legislation, including child protection law. Prior court experience. Criminal law legislation experience is an asset.
• Familiarity and comfort with the provision of summary legal advice over the telephone an asset
• A good understanding of LAO's structure and services and an appreciation of the role of the SLA Phone Program in delivering of legal aid services
• A solid understanding of LAO's programs, including eligibility criteria and experience in making decisions on the eligibility of legal aid applicants
• Demonstrated professionalism across working relationships within LAO and with external service providers
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including client interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with staff, clients, lawyers and other stakeholders
• Ability to research and retrieve information in an expeditious manner
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• One or more of these positions will be designated as French-English bilingual and will require French proficiency
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset
• Proficiency using various computer software, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and PeopleSoft

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.

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