Duty Counsel - Toronto, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Toronto, 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 oversee the delivery of family law duty counsel services in North Bay and throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse.

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; supervision of per diem duty counsels and other duties as assigned.

Home Location:
North Bay (in person services have resumed in North Bay)

Secondary/tertiary locations:
Nipissing, Parry Sound Districts & Sundridge

Reports to:
Manager of Legal Services
Key accountabilities

Provide family law duty counsel services, including providing instructions to Legal Aid Workers (and students), preparation of court documents for eligible clients, make appropriate referrals when required, including to mediation services
Providing representation in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ), Superior Court of Justice (Unified Family Court) at first appearances, conferences, motions, negotiations, Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters, Children's Aid Societies matters and other court hearings and services as required
Advocate for clients in court and on court forms
Assist unrepresented eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (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.
Assessment of clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
Assist the Director-General and Manager in the administration of the duty counsel office, including assisting with the coordination of duty counsel services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.
Assist with Panel Management, quality assurance and best practice measures.
Assist with the preparation/management of operational and per diem budgets in conjunction with the District Office and Managers.
Act as a liaison between Legal Aid Ontario, the judiciary, court services staff and the private bar, including sitting on local bench and bar committees and other consultation groups, on behalf of the Director-General.
Travel may be required within the Districts to assist in satellite courts.
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 family law experience and knowledge of relevant family law legislation, including child protection law and FRO legislation with the ability to research and retrieve information as required
Demonstrated experience handling complex family legal issues
Experience practicing law as a family duty counsel including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family (SLAF), mediation, settlement conferences, etc.
Client focused with personal motivation and accountability
Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, and to lead in a fastpaced environment
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Ability to work as a team with other Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, per diem Duty Counsel and Managers
Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and Regulations
Access to a vehicle or ability to rent a vehicle is preferred as this position may require travel within the District and to satellite courts.

First Preference will be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.

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