Care aid Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Staff Lawyer, Family Senior Counsel Program - French Bilingual (12 months)

Union : The Society

Job Number : J0125-0617

Job Title : Staff Lawyer, Family Senior Counsel Program - French Bilingual (12 months)

Job Type : Contract

Contract Duration (months) : 12 months

Job Location : Ottawa and area

Job Category : Legal

Job Classification : SL

Role Designation : LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions : 1

Posting Date : January 23, 2025

Closing Date : February 6, 2025

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

The Family Senior Counsel Program has provincial scope and complements LAO’s existing mixed model of private bar and duty counsel services by providing financially and legally eligible clients with another option for high quality, full-scope representation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting vulnerable clients on a wide range of family law and child protection matters, up to and including representation at trial.

Representation will include but not limited to acting as counsel of record to certificate eligible clients. Family Senior Counsel also accept court appointments, create, and facilitate mentorship opportunities for staff lawyers and private counsel to further enhance access to justice.

The position will also be responsible for providing services in French in other areas of the province, as required.

In addition to working with a team passionate about access to justice and making a difference in the lives of many of society's most vulnerable, LAO offers a comprehensive medical and dental benefits through Sun Life, an Employee Assistance Program through Telus Health and we are a member of the Ontario Public Service Pension Plan.

Home Location : Ottawa

Other Locations : travel within the Eastern District is required (Cornwall, Pembroke, Brockville, Perth, and L’Orignal)

Reporting to : Manager of Legal Services – Family Senior Counsel Program

Key accountabilities

• Act as counsel of record for certificate eligible clients unable to secure private bar lawyers in family law and child protection matters.
• Representation of family law and child protection clients through all stages of litigation up to and including trial, with an emphasis on providing assistance for vulnerable and hard-to-serve clients.
• Provide brief, limited-scope virtual and in-person legal services and summary advice for eligible family law clients where clients are vulnerable and / or there is urgency.
• Serve as mentors to Legal Aid duty counsel, staff lawyers and private bar roster lawyers, providing coaching and support where needed.
• Participate in community outreach presentations and projects.
• Participate in legal education initiatives.
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner.
• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.
• Access to a vehicle or ability to rent a vehicle is preferred as this position will require travel.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

Required skills & experience

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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.

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 to 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.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), an independent but publicly funded and publicly accountable non-profit corporation. None of this material may be commercially reproduced, but copying for other purposes, with credit, is encouraged.

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