Duty Counsel - Pembroke, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Pembroke, 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

This Duty Counsel position will provide bilingual family and criminal duty counsel services in Renfrew County at the Pembroke Courthouse.

Criminal Duty Counsel are responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented adult and youth clients to determine the appropriate service for those charged with criminal offences, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing criminal court documents; and in-court representation at various stages of criminal court proceedings.

Family Duty Counsel are responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented family law clients to determine the appropriate service, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing family court documents and pleadings; and in-court representation at various stages of a family court and/or child protection proceedings.

Home Position:
Pembroke

Secondary/Tertiary locations can include:
Renfrew and Killaloe satellite courts should they reopen in future.
Key accountabilities

Act as a Family and Criminal Staff Lawyer, providing services both inperson and remotely
Provide criminal law duty counsel services and representation in the Ontario Court of Justice, including advice, negotiations, consent releases, bail hearings, resolutions, and other services as required
Provide family law duty counsel services and representation in the Superior Court of Justice, Unified Family Court (UFC), including advice, document preparation, negotiations, First Appearances, case conferences, motions, and other services as required
Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) as required
Provide advice lawyer services on the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family and criminal law as required
Work in an interprofessional team, providing instructions and mentorship to Legal Aid Workers (LAWs) and Students
Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
Maintain client files and conflict lists
Record data and produce reports as required within established reporting times
Provide assistance with legal aid referrals as required
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
Sound knowledge of relevant family law legislation and, in particular, child protection law
Sound knowledge of relevant criminal law legislation
Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills
Clientfocused
Ability to work independently in a fastpaced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Personal motivation and accountability
Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies, including Smartphones, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, iPad and iPhones
Ability to research and retrieve information
Bilingual French fluency, including the ability to provide French legal services, is required

Preferred Skills & Experiences

Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate
Prior family, CYFSA and criminal law court experience
Demonstrated experience providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as youth, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues
Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues
Experience with Service Integration and Divorcemate
Own transportation
Fluency in languages other than French and English will be considered an asset

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 be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.

Equity Statement

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, op