Junior Family Lawyer

Job summary

Work with the principal lawyer and law clerk on family law matters, including research, client advice, correspondence, agreements, pleadings, motions, and court documents. Attend client meetings, case conferences, and court appearances, develop and manage a growing caseload, and contribute to the firm's processes and culture.

Job details

Company Description: We are a growing law firm based in Kitchener, currently a close-knit team of one lawyer and one law clerk. As we expand, we're looking for an early-career lawyer who wants more than a job — someone who wants to build real expertise in family law, work directly alongside the firm's principal, and grow into a long-term role as the practice grows. This is a rare opportunity to get hands-on experience and mentorship that's hard to find at a larger firm, where junior lawyers can spend years doing document review before they see a client. Here, you'll be in the room from day one. Role Description: We're hiring a junior Associate Lawyer to join our family law practice. You'll work closely with our principal lawyer on active files, build your own case management skills, and develop a genuine specialization in family law — with the training, mentorship, and support to get there. This role suits a lawyer who is early in their career (newly called to the bar through approximately 3 years' experience) and is motivated to grow their practice within a firm that will invest directly in their development. What You'll Do: Collaborate with the principal lawyer and law clerk on active family law files, from intake through resolution or litigation as required Conduct legal research and draft clear, practical legal advice and correspondence for clients Prepare agreements, pleadings, motions, financial statements, and other family law court documents Attend client meetings, case conferences, and court appearances alongside or under the guidance of the principal lawyer Manage your own growing caseload as your experience and confidence develop Contribute to the firm's processes and culture as an early member of a growing team Qualifications Licensed lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario 0–3 years of legal experience; prior exposure to family law is an asset but not required — we are looking for someone who wants to build this expertise, not someone who already has it Strong legal research, writing, and client communication skills Genuine interest in family law as a long-term area of practice with the ability to work compassionately with individuals and families. Effective case management skills, including organization, time management, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively within a small firm environment, demonstrate sound judgment, and uphold high ethical and confidentiality standards. Comfortable working onsite and engaging directly with clients in the Kitchener–Waterloo area and environs; familiarity with local court processes is an asset. Compensation & Benefits We know junior lawyers are evaluating more than base salary, so here's what the full package looks like: Base salary: $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience Performance bonus: Additional compensation tied to billings and client origination — as your caseload and client relationships grow, so does your earning potential Professional development, fully covered: Law Society of Ontario annual fees Professional liability insurance (LawPRO) CPD/continuing education courses, with a focus on family law–specific trainings Direct mentorship: Regular, hands-on mentorship from the firm's principal lawyer — not a rotation through a training program, but real-time guidance on real files Growth path: A defined trajectory from associate toward greater case ownership and, for the right person, a long-term future in the firm as it expands — including potential partnership track Additional benefits: Paid vacation Flexible scheduling where possible, given client and court commitments Why Join Us You'll actually get mentored. In a two-lawyer firm, you're not competing with a dozen other associates for the principal's time. You'll build real expertise, not just billable hours. Our investment in your training reflects our interest in your long-term development, not just short-term output. You'll have room to grow. As the firm expands, so does your opportunity to take on more ownership, more client relationships, and more responsibility. How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in family law to info@dammielegal.ca. We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to hearing from you. This firm is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

What you’ll do

Work with the principal lawyer and law clerk on family law matters, including research, client advice, correspondence, agreements, pleadings, motions, and court documents. Attend client meetings, case conferences, and court appearances, develop and manage a growing caseload, and contribute to the firm's processes and culture.

Requirements

Applicants must be licensed and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, with 0–3 years of legal experience; prior family law exposure is an asset but not required. Strong research, writing, communication, organization, time management, and judgment are required, along with a genuine interest in family law and the ability to work compassionately and collaboratively while maintaining confidentiality.

Benefits

• Performance Bonus • Professional Development • Law Society of Ontario Annual Fees Covered • Professional Liability Insurance • Continuing Education Courses • Direct Mentorship • Growth Opportunities • Paid Vacation • Flexible Scheduling

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• case management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Family Law
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Client Communication
• Case Management
• Drafting Legal Documents
• Client Meetings
• Court Appearances
• Organization
• Time Management
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Sound Judgment
• Confidentiality
• Compassionate Client Service

Job areas

• Legal