Duty Counsel, Family (12 months)

To act as Family Duty Counsel and deliver services in Brampton Courthouse in the Central West District.

Family Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for family law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person once in person services resume. 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: Brampton
Secondary Location: Not applicable

Reporting to: Lawyer Manager, Family Law Service Centre

• Provide family law duty counsel services, 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 Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) 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 eligible clients with LAO family settlement conferences as required
• 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 to the Safe Centre of Peel remotely.
• 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.
• Assessment of clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
• Oversee the administration and application of financial eligibility tests in accordance with LAO policy and ensuring high quality legal work in a cost effective manner.
• Assist the Director-General and Manager in the administration of the duty counsel office, including assisting with the coordination of duty counsel services and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to various courts and clinics.
• Act as a liaison between Legal Aid Ontario, the judiciary, court services staff and the private bar, including sitting on local bench and bar committees and other consultation groups, on behalf of the Director-General.

• 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
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Divorcemate 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 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


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 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.

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