Staff Lawyer

Job title:

Staff Lawyer

Company

Legal Aid Ontario

Job description

Union: The SocietyJob Number: J1124-0814Job Title: Staff LawyerJob Type: Permanent Full TimeContract Duration (months): Permanent Full timeCity, Province, Country: Chatham, Ontario, CanadaJob Location: ChathamJob Category: LegalJob Classification: SLRole Designation: LAO Workplace Based – Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.Open Positions: 1Posting Date: December 9, 2024Closing Date: December 20, 2024Salary: $90,186.96 – $154,117.41/YearLegal 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 functionTo act as Staff Lawyer in the Family Law Service Centre (FLSC) in ChathamFLSC lawyers are responsible for providing client service for family law matters through the Family Law Service Centre and in the courthouse, both virtually and in person. FLSC lawyers 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 acting as counsel of record to certificate eligible clients as needed, providing procedural and summary legal advice; as Duty Counsel in family court and Children Aid Society Matters; 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; providing advice lawyer services at Domestic Violence (DV) shelters and through the FLSC and other duties as assigned.As per Legal Aid Ontario’s Hybrid Work Policy, this role has been designated as LAO Workplace based: Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace up to five (5) days per week with potential for hybrid work based on the nature of the role, and as client service and operational needs permit.Home Location: Chatham
Secondary/Other Locations: Chatham Domestic Violence SheltersReports to: Manager of Family Law Service Centres Windsor, Chatham and SarniaKey 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) 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 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 Service Center (FLSC) and other advice clinics as required
• Provide advice lawyer services to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) shelter clients
• 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.
• 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, including child protection law and Family Responsibility Office (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 or lawyer including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family, mediation, settlement conferences, trials etc.
• Client focused with personal motivation and accountability
• Ability to work independently, with limited supervision, and to lead in a fast-paced 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
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other office applications. Experience with DivorceMate, Legal Files and PeopleSoft is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually.
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

Preferred Skills and Experiences:

• Sound knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
• Prior family and CYFSA law experience
• Demonstrated interest in aboriginal legal issues
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues

This position is represented by the Society 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.To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position. Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply. Once you have successuly applied you will receive a confirmation email.Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: [email protected].

Expected salary

$90186.96 – 154117.4 per year

Location

Chatham-Kent, ON

Job date

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 23:03:05 GMT

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