Duty Counsel - London, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

London, 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 Duty Counsel and deliver services in London in the West District.

This role may require travel throughout the district on occasion.

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:
London

Secondary & Tertiary locations can include travel to: St. Thomas and Woodstock, Munsee Delaware First Nations, Oneida and Chippewa of the Thames, N'Amerind. And possibly attendance at the shelters in St. Thomas, Strathroy, London - Wellington Road and Clarke Road locations.

Reporting to:
Manager, Legal Services

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is in the process of developing an organization-wide hybrid workplace model, taking into consideration the range of services and roles performed throughout the organization.

During this development phase, the work of this role is hybrid and structured to provide greater remote work, but some in-person presence will be required.

Key accountabilities

Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions and mentoring to Legal Aid Workers (and students), preparation of court documents for eligible clients as well as providing representation in the Unified Family Court at First Appearances, case conferences, motions, FRO matters, negotiations, and other court hearings and services as required
Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
Assist unrepresented clients with CYFSA matters (with document preparation and in court appearances)
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
Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
Maintain client files and conflict lists
Record data and produce reports as required and within established reporting times.
Other duties as assigned
Work may be in person or virtually as required

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 being lead on family files
Prior family and CYFSA law experience
Client focused
Ability to work independently in a busy paced environment
Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom
Experience with Divorcemate and Legal Files would be an asset.
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Results oriented individual and accountability
Teamwork and collaborative skills
Ability to mentor others
Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies, including Smartphones, Skype, Zoom, iPad and iPhones
Demonstrated Research Skills
Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advice, as well as when representing clients in court.
Ability to draft legal documents without need for review
Ability to assist others with reviewing drafted documents
Ability to assist others with reviewing drafted documents

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate
Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues and/or Domestic Violence 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 will be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.

Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.

Equity Statement

Legal Aid Ontario