Staff Lawyer, Family

Job title: Staff Lawyer, Family

Company: Legal Aid Ontario


Job description: Union: The SocietyJob Number: J0425-0417Job Title: Staff Lawyer, FamilyJob Type: ContractContract Duration (months): 3 yearsCity, 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: April 28, 2025Closing Date: May 9, 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 functionThe Toronto North Family Law Service Centre provides full representation services to family law litigants as well as document preparation services to financially eligible clients. The Centre 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 or limited scope family law services.The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting vulnerable clients on a wide-range of family law matters – both domestic and child protection. S/he will be responsible for triaging referred clients; taking on family law certificates and providing direct client services within the Centre’s document preparation program.The ability to communicate in French is preferred.In addition to working with a team passionate about access to justice and making a difference in the lives of many of our society’s most vulnerable, LAO offers a comprehensive medical and dental benefits through Sun Life and an Employee Assistance Program through Telus Health. This position has representation by the Society of United Professionals.Primary Location: Toronto North Family Law Service Centre
Secondary Location: Travel within the Toronto DistrictReporting to: Lawyer Manager of the Toronto North Family Law Service CentreKey accountabilities

• Act as counsel of record for certificate eligible clients in family law matters
• Representation of family law and child protection clients through all stages of litigation up to and including trial in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice with an emphasis on advocacy for vulnerable and hard-to-serve clients
• Provide direct support to the document preparation program by providing limited-scope legal services including summary advice and document preparation for eligible family law clients and supervising legal aid workers on their document preparation files
• Triaging referrals to confirm financial eligibility and determine the most appropriate service for clients
• Acting as agent for the office’s senior litigators on their full representation files when required
• Supporting the Centre’s Manager in the administration of the office as may be required
• Participating in community outreach presentations and projects
• Participating in legal education initiatives
• Ensuring the provision of high quality legal work in a cost effective manner
• Maintaining conflict lists, recording data and producing reports as required
• Performing other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remaining adaptable and flexible in a changing environment

Required skills & experience

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario with a minimum of 5 years family law experience including carrying domestic and child protection litigation files in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice on a full representation basis
• Demonstrated fluency in oral and written language skills, including the ability to speak, read and write within a legal setting, in English. Candidates with spoken and written fluency in the French language are preferred
• Demonstrated experience representing clients in family law matters and advanced knowledge of all relevant family law legislation, including the Divorce Act, Family Law Act, Children’s Law Reform Act, Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act and Family Law Rules
• Demonstrated experience representing clients in child protection matters and advanced knowledge of all relevant child protection legislation, including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families
• Demonstrated experience providing legal services for clients who are Indigenous, racialized, or from other vulnerable client groups including survivors of domestic violence and those experiencing mental health challenges
• Ability to work collaboratively with Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, support staff, per diem Duty Counsel and Managers
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act and Regulations, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually
• Advanced knowledge and experience with computer software including, but not limited to: DivorceMate, Case Centre, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• 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

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.Only candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.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 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.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 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, 30 Apr 2025 04:50:41 GMT

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