Duty Counsel, Family - Lindsay, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Lindsay, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Company Bio
Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job.

It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Primary function

To act as Family Law Duty Counsel and deliver services in Lindsay, Peterborough and Cobourg courthouses, both in-person and virtually, with a focus on services in the City of Kawartha Lakes/Lindsay area.

Family Duty Counsel lawyers are responsible for providing in-person and virtual client services in the Superior Court of Justice - Unified Family Court in the Tri-Counties (Lindsay, Peterborough and Cobourg).

Family Duty Counsel are 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.

This position will appeal to a lawyer experienced in a broad range of family proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a busy workplace, both in-person and online

Reporting to:
The Manager of Legal Services, Central East District

Key accountabilities

Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers and students; preparation of court documents for eligible clients; and make appropriate referrals when required, including referrals to mediation services
Provide representation in the Superior Court of Justice (Unified Family Court) at first appearances; conferences; motions; negotiations; Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters; child protection matters; and other court hearings and services as required
Advocate for clients in court and assist in the preparation of court documents and forms
Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Center (FLIC) and other advice clinics as required
Provide advice lawyer services on the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family law
Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner
Maintain client files
Maintain client lists to carry out conflict checks
Record data and produce reports as required and within established reporting times
Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment

Required skills & experience

Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant family law legislation and in particular child protection law, and in court experience in both family and child protection matters. Experience in having sole carriage of family law files.
Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
Sound legal research skills
Ability to draft legal documents independently
Results oriented individual, prepared to assume accountability for files
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Effective assessment of clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
Ability to accurately and fluently communicate with clients while providing advice and while representing them in court
Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to vulnerable clients and to those who may be victims of domestic violence
Demonstrated experience in collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to use Word, Excel, Outlook, Divorcemate and Legal Files
Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones, and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms to deliver services virtually, i.e. Zoom and Teams

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's procedures, processes and policies
Prior family and CYFSA law experience
Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues

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 w