Duty Counsel, Family

To act as Family Duty Counsel and deliver services in the North York Family Court (47 Sheppard). The North York Family Court is a high volume court with clients with complex and varying needs which making for a demanding and challenging work environment for duty counsel staff. This position will appeal to a lawyer with experience in a broad range of family proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a dynamic and busy workplace. The preferred candidate will be a self-starter with substantial family law experience in the private or public sector who is familiar with LAO family duty counsel services.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and 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: North York Family Court (47 Sheppard)
Secondary/tertiary locations: Not Applicable

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

• Act as Family Duty Counsel in both domestic and child protection matters in the Ontario Court of Justice, including First Appearance Court, Case Conferences, Family Responsibility office (FRO) matters, CYFSA matters, emergency hearings, and other court matters, as required
• Make referrals to the Family Law Service Centres, mediation, the certificate program, domestic violence organizations and mental health agencies, as required
• Provide summary legal advice services in the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) or summary legal advice family (SLAF) lines as required
• Ensure a high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Assess clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Administer and apply the financial eligibility tests in accordance with Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) policy
• Record data and produce reports as required
• Assist with administrative tasks and other duties are assigned
• Maintain client files and conflict lists
• 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
• Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant family law legislation and in particular, child protection law
• Demonstrated experience acting as Duty Counsel in both domestic and child protection proceedings
• Ability to work as a team with other staff lawyers and per diem Duty Counsel
• Demonstrated ability to be solution-oriented and problem solve
• Collaborative skills and client focused
• Knowledge of impact of criminal law or immigration proceedings on family law
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to those who may be victims of domestic violence
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including smartphones and the ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
• Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advice, as well as when representing clients in court
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Experience with Divorcemate, Legal Files and Peoplesoft would be an asset

Preferred Skills & Experiences:
• Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate
• Prior family and CYFSA Duty Counsel experience
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to vulnerable clients, such as those experiencing domestic violence or mental health


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 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.