Duty Counsel - Ottawa, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Ottawa, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Union:
The Society

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

LAO Workplace Based

Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace
Open Positions:
Posting Date: June 9, 202
Closing Date: June 26, 2023
Salary: $83, $142,422.00/Year

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.

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO.

LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff.

All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Primary function:

To act as Family Duty Counsel based in Ottawa within the Eastern District and deliver services in both French and English.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse 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:
Ottawa Courthouse

Secondary/Tertiary Locations:
n/a

Reporting to:
Manager, Legal Services - Ottawa District

Key accountabilities:

Provide family law duty counsel services both inperson and virtually, 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 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 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.
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 being lead on family files
Client focused
Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Divorcemate, Caseline and Legal Files
Sound judgment and problem solving skills
Results oriented individual and accountability
Demonstrated ability to provide sensitive and compassionate client service to those who may be victims of domestic violence
Demonstr