(Bilingual French) Duty Counsel - Family

Legal Aid OntarioOttawa

30+ days ago

Salary

CA$83,343.00–CA$142,422.00 yearly

Job description

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Union : The Society Job Number : J0523-1397 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 : 1 Posting Date : September 1, 2023 Closing Date : September 15, 2023 Salary : $83,343.00 - $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 in-person 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

Demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders

Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom / Teams)

Demonstrated Research Skills

Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advise, as well as when representing clients in court.

Ability to represent clients in both English and French is required (candidates will be tested on their level of French Language skills).

Ability to draft legal documents without need for review

Preferred Skills & 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