Counsel, Personal Rights

The Ministry of the Attorney General is offering an exciting, challenging and highly rewarding opportunity in the Office of the Children's Lawyer for one experienced counsel to exercise his/her skills and expertise in the field of legal representation for children in Openness and Adoption proceedings, Secure Treatment as well as parenting time/decision-making and child protection proceedings in the Personal Rights Legal Department.

The Office of the Children's Lawyer is dedicated to ensuring an open, accessible, equitable and respectful workplace, and is committed to reflecting the diverse communities it serves. We encourage applications from members of our diverse communities and under-represented groups, particularly Indigenous Peoples, Black people, persons from other racialized groups, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ persons, as well as anyone committed to providing high-quality services to the children of Ontario.

The successful candidate will be required to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Duties will include:

• Providing legal services to the Office of the Children's Lawyer by acting as Counsel on litigation cases involving
children, particularly in the areas of Openness and Adoption, Secure Treatment, and parenting disputes.
• Appearing at trials and appeals on behalf of children
• Participating in the administration of the Personal Rights Department and responsible for supervision of
approximately 40 fee-for-service lawyers across Ontario
• Liaising with legal representatives, Crown Attorneys, the Judiciary, Children's Aid Societies, community and legal
organizations
• Lecturing at workshops, seminars and public speaking engagements

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

Membership in good standing as a lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario

Technical Legal Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in civil, administrative and appellate litigation with a focus on Child Welfare and Family
Law, particularly Openness and Adoption, Secure Treatment and Parenting Disputes.
• Knowledge of related legislation such as the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), the Children's Law
Reform Act (CLRA), the Divorce Act, the Courts of Justice Act (CJA), and the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA).
• Ability and skill in interviewing and communicating effectively with children.

Other Essential Skills

•Demonstrated ability to supervise a significant number of lawyers carrying a high volume of cases.
• Demonstrated administrative, instructional and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Proven judgment, research and analytical ability.
• Demonstrated computer skills.