Staff Lawyer, Family

Job title: Staff Lawyer, Family

Company: Legal Aid Ontario


Job description: Union: The SocietyJob Number: J0525-0123Job Title: Staff Lawyer, FamilyJob Type: ContractContract Duration (months): 18 monthsCity, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, CanadaJob Location: TorontoJob Category: LegalJob Classification: SLRole Designation: LAO Workplace Based – Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.Open Positions: 1Posting Date: May 12, 2025Closing Date: May 23, 2025Salary: $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 Services Centre (FLSC) in Toronto.
Family staff lawyers are responsible for drafting court documents for domestic and some child protection matters. The staff lawyer will be responsible for:

• The intake and assessment of family law clients to determine the appropriate service for the clients,
• 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;
• Providing summary advice through the FLSC

Home Location: Toronto Family Law Service Centre, 20 Dundas St. West, Toronto
Secondary and Tertiary Locations: 311 Jarvis and any other Toronto location where Family Duty Counsel Services are providedReporting to: Manager, Family Law Service CentreKey accountabilities

• Assessment of clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
• Provide summary legal advice to clients on family law and child protection matters and procedures, both virtually and in person, and act as the Advice Lawyer in Family Law Advice Clinics offered through the FLSC and at DV shelters.”
• Review court documents and assist in drafting pleadings and other documents.
• Oversee the administration and application of financial eligibility tests in accordance with LAO policy
• Assist the Manager of FLSCs in the administration of the FLSC office, including assisting with the coordination of family law services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.
• Maintain conflict lists, record data and produce reports as required.
• Travel may be required within the District to assist in clinics and satellite courts, including at the Rexdale Community Hub
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• 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 with at least 3-5 years family law experience
• Demonstrated family law experience and knowledge of relevant family law legislation, including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Family Responsibility Office and Support Arrears Enforcement Act (FRO) with the ability to research and retrieve information as required
• Experience practicing law as a family duty counsel or lawyer including providing advice, Summary Legal Advice Family (SLAF), 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.
• Access to a vehicle or ability to rent a vehicle is preferred as this position may require travel within the District and to satellite clinics and courts
• Ability to assist clients by taking instructions and drafting documents in French is preferred

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.This position is represented by the Society of United Professionals, and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement; union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire.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.First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have a Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support:candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.

Expected salary: $90186.96 – 154117.4 per year

Location: Toronto, ON

Job date: Wed, 14 May 2025 01:04:40 GMT

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