Legal Aid Worker

This position is responsible for providing client services under the direct supervision of the Manager of Legal Services as well as direct litigation support to staff lawyers who represent clients on Legal Aid certificates in family and child protection matters. It includes the initial assessment and intake of family law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for the client; referrals to appropriate services and resources; file management (opening and closing files, docketing and billing on-line); communication with clients, opposing counsel/parties, family court staff and stakeholders; and the preparation of correspondence and procedural family court documents under the direct supervision of a staff lawyer. The Legal Aid Worker will also provide administrative support for the Manager of Legal Services for duty counsel services and back-up support for the Family Law Service Centre in Newmarket.
Home location: Newmarket Courthouse
Secondary locations: Newmarket Family Law Service Centre
Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services

Provide general information by responding to in-person, email and phone inquiries from clients
Assessment of client needs to determine the appropriate service for the client, including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made,
• Triage clients at the Family Law Information Centre to determine eligibility for Legal Aid services and refer clients appropriately based on eligibility
• Interview clients to gather information about case, field telephone calls from clients, and assist the Manager and duty counsel with client queries, referrals, requests for information etc.;
• May be required to assist with the drafting and preparation of court documents required for certificate matters under the direct supervision of the lawyer;
• Maintaining tickler systems for certificate matters;
• Take applications for Legal Aid certificates. Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria and to generate certificates in accordance with office procedures and standard formats and to submit files and appropriate documentation to area office staff;
• Perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files, scheduling per diem duty counsel and other tasks as assigned
• Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base, computer information databases such as Legal Files and Divorcemate, conflict of interest systems, file tickler systems, and basic principles of family law;
• Familiarity with financial eligibility, certificate coverage and tariff guidelines; and
Perform other duties as required.

Excellent drafting and word processing skills, some familiarity with family law software programs, such as Divorcemate and Legal Files;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies;
• Good understanding of family court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by duty counsel;
• Legal worker experience in family law;
• Knowledge of relevant family law legislation;
Sound knowledge of Legal Aid application procedures, financial principles and LAO policies and practices;
• Written and oral French language skills are an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams); and
• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.