Staff Lawyer - Family Law Service Centre

To act as Staff Lawyer in the Family Law Service Centre (FLSC) in Sarnia and area.

FLSC lawyers are responsible for providing client service for family law matters through the Family Law Service Centre and in the courthouse, both virtually and in person once in person services resume. FLSC lawyers 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 acting as counsel of record to certificate eligible clients as needed, providing procedural and summary legal advice; as Duty Counsel in family court and Children Aid Society Matters; 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; providing advice lawyer services at Domestic Violence (DV) shelters and through the FLSC and other duties as assigned.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is in the process of developing an organization-wide hybrid workplace model, taking into consideration the range of services and roles performed throughout the organization. During this development phase, the work of this role in-person presence will be required.

Home Location: Sarnia
Secondary/Other Locations: Walpole Island Court

Reports to: Manager of Family Law Service Centres Windsor, Chatham and Sarnia

• Assessment of clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
• To act as Family Duty Counsel by 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 (i.e. Place of Safety Hearings) and other court hearings and services as required.
• Provide summary legal advice to clients on family law and child protection matters and procedures, both virtually and in person, and acting as the Advice Lawyer in the Family Law Advice Clinics offered through the FLSC and at DV shelters.
• Provide oral and written advocacy on behalf of clients. This includes providing advice and representation to persons appearing in court without counsel on a court list and assisting in obtaining adjournments as required.
• Representation at procedural and non-complex motions.
• Attendance and representation at conferences in matters dealing with issues of custody, access, support, child protection, support enforcement and other family law matters.
• Review court documents and assist in drafting pleadings and other documents.
• Oversee the administration and application of financial eligibility tests in accordance with LAO policy and ensuring high quality legal work in a cost effective manner.
• Provide family law services in the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice.
• Offer Enhanced Duty Counsel Services, up to and including hearings.
• Act as counsel of record for certificate eligible clients for clients unable to secure private bar lawyers as needed
• Assist the Manager of FLSCs in the administration of the FLSC office, including assisting with the coordination of family law services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.
• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.
• Travel may be required within the District to assist in satellite courts.
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated family law experience and knowledge of relevant family law legislation, including child protection law and Family Responsibility Office (FRO) legislation with the ability to research and retrieve information as required
• Demonstrated experience handling complex family legal issues
• Experience practicing law as a family duty counsel or lawyer including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family (SLAF), mediation, settlement conferences, trials etc.
• Client focused with personal motivation and accountability
• Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, and to lead in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Ability to work as a team with other Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, per diem Duty Counsel and Managers
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and Regulations
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other office applications. Experience with DivorceMate, Legal Files and PeopleSoft is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually.
• Access to a vehicle or ability to rent a vehicle is preferred as this position may require travel within the District and to satellite courts.
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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.

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.