Duty Counsel, Family (12 months)

To act as Family Duty Counsel based in Ottawa within the Eastern District.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse 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 proceeding; and other duties as assigned.

Home Location: Ottawa Courthouse
Secondary/Tertiary Locations: n/a

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services - Ottawa District

1. Legal Services
Provide family law duty counsel services, including preparation of court documents for eligible clients.
Represent clients in Unified Family Court at first appearances, case conferences, settlement conferences, motions, negotiations, and other necessary proceedings.
Assist unrepresented clients with CYFSA (Child, Youth, and Family Services Act) matters.
Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC).
Offer legal advice through the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family law matters.

2. Client and Case Management
Maintain client files and conflict lists.
Record data and produce reports as required.

3. Quality Assurance
Ensure high-quality legal work in a cost-effective manner.

1. Professional Qualifications
Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

2. Legal Expertise
Strong background in family law and child protection law.
Knowledge of all relevant family and child protection legislation.

3. Technical and Communication Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with Divorcemate and Legal Files (preferred but not required).
Ability to use modern communication tools, including Smartphones, Skype, Zoom, iPads, and iPhones.

4. Workplace Skills
Client-focused with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Personal motivation, accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

5. Research Skills
Ability to research and retrieve legal information as needed.

Preferred Skills & Experience
1. Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario
Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate.

2. Interest in Specialized Areas
Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues.
Training or experience advocating for individuals with mental health issues.

3. Language
French will be considered as an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

This position is collectively represented by The Society of United Professionals (The Society) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

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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