Duty Counsel - Toronto, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Union:
The Society

Job Number: J
Job Title: Duty Counsel
Family (Permanent)
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
Job Category: Legal
Job Classification: SL
Role Designation:

LAO Workplace Based

Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace
Open Positions:
Posting Date: May 5, 202
Closing Date: May 19, 2023

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:

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, Duty Counsel

Key accountabilities:

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
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

Required skills & experience:

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 solutionoriented 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 multitask 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
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 biweekly from date of hire.
First preference will given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.
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