Duty Counsel – Family in Owen Sound

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.

This Duty Counsel position will provide direct client service to eligible individuals with family law matters, virtually and in-person. Family Duty Counsel are responsible for intake and assessment of family and child protection law clients to determine the appropriate service, including but not limited to providing legal advice, in-court representation, drafting, reviewing and commissioning court documents and pleadings, and other duties as assigned.

Key accountabilities:

• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria.
• Assist eligible unrepresented clients with family and child protection law matters before the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice.
• Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC).
• Provide family law duty counsel services, including legal advice, preparation of court documents, and reviewing and commissioning family court documents and pleadings, such as Applications, Answers, Motions, Affidavits, Financial statements, and Conference briefs.
• Provide representation at first appearances, conferences, motions, negotiations, Family Responsibility Office (FRO) matters, and other family court hearings and services, as required.
• Assist unrepresented clients with Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters, including document preparation and in-court appearances.
• Assist eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences, as required.
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost-effective manner.
• Triage and interview clients to assess legal issues and client needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate service and facilitate referrals, as needed.
• Assist with training and onboarding per diems and colleagues, including other staff lawyers, paralegals, and Legal Aid Workers (LAWs).
• File management and record keeping, including timely creation and maintenance of client files and conflict lists.
• Prepare reports and submit duty counsel accounts/dockets, as required, in accordance with LAO policy.
• Participate in working groups, pilots and LAO initiatives.
• Stakeholder engagement and public legal education.
• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work.
• Knowledge of Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency.
• Practical understanding of the LSO’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant criminal legislation, rules of evidence, procedure, and practice directives.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant family law legislation, child protection law, family law rules, procedure, and practice directives.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the intersecting nature of legal issues experienced by LAO clients.
• Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in the delivery of legal service.
• Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the justice system.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, coupled with strong written and oral advocacy and legal research skills.
• Sound judgment and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe, Zoom and Teams.
• Familiarity and competence with client and file management systems, including PeopleSoft, Service Integration, Legal Files, Case Center, and Divorcemate is an asset.
• Ability to travel within the district to other court locations and institutions.

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being. We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD). Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy a generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays. Employees are eligible to be enrolled in the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

Equity Statement:

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 systematic 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.