Manager of Family Law Service Centres

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking a Lawyer Manager for the Family Law Service Centres located in the West District (Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia), who will be instrumental in managing the FLSCs and moving forward LAO's strategic plan. The Manager of FLSCs will also be responsible for managing, planning, developing and executing projects to enable the District to meet its deliverables; and for implementing corporate strategy and new programs.

We are looking for a seasoned lawyer manager to provide leadership and vision in the development of strategic and business plans as well as ensuring that appropriate and innovative service delivery mechanisms are in place for the Family Law Service Centres. Excellent relationship building skills are required to effectively work with lawyers, staff and external stakeholders to ensure that legal aid services are systematically and efficiently delivered and co-ordinated across the communities. You have positive relationships with the bench and bar. Human resource management skills are essential to this position, as you will be directing staff, including lawyers in the centres. In addition, you have a strong family law background and are very skilled and experienced in mediation, negotiation and settlement conferences. Previous Mediation or ADR training would be an asset.

We are seeking individuals with a sound understanding of the principles of modern management and the ability to supervise family lawyers and family legal workers. You are also an experienced family lawyer and a creative problem solver with a strong client service orientation. You have great interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills in both public and private forums.

Travel within the District to facilitate management at the 3 existing locations will be required. In addition, occasional travel within the Province may be required.

Home Location: Windsor, Chatham or Sarnia Family Law Service Centre offices

Reporting to: Director-General, West District Office

• Manage the daily operations of the FLSC offices in accordance with administrative and human resource policies and procedures
• Supervise the work of FLSC staff and assess performance in accordance with LAO's performance review process
Facilitate and, coordinate all FLSC employees working in remote and in person environments where possible and necessary
• Promote an understanding and accountability for LAO's corporate values and employment standards
• Participate in hiring decisions, train employees and ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures
• Assist with the coordination and oversight of legal aid service delivery in the District
• Review financial and statistical reports and provide business analysis to the DG, RVP and RBM
• Manage, plan and execute office, district and regional projects
• Coordinate with other District, Regional and PO teams by attending meetings, sharing information, participating in projects, creating committees
• Support the DG with panel management through various mechanisms including analyzing and interpreting data and making recommendations
• Support the DG with coordinating stakeholder relations and outreach, including acting as a delegate where necessary
• Ensure the timely preparation and delivery of required statistical reports
• Other related managerial duties as required
• Travel will be required

• Lawyer in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• Experience in leading or managing change
• Solid understanding of the justice sector, the needs of low-income Ontarians, and the particular challenges of legal aid service delivery;
• Knowledge of the broad range of legal aid services provided by Legal Aid Ontario;
• Solid knowledge of family law, both substantive and procedural, and rules and practices in all levels of court in which the Family Law Service Centres provide service;
• Familiarity with financial eligibility, certificate coverage and tariff guidelines, , discretionary requests, legal aid application process and procedures including the review process, and LAO policies and practices;
• Demonstrated innovation and initiative, analytical and strategic thinking skills;
• Strong consultation, facilitation, mediation, and negotiation skills;
• Solid and proven ability to supervise, train and measure the performance of legal workers and lawyers at the Family Law Service Centres;
• Proven ability to understand and interpret financial, statistical and performance measurement data;
• Proven experience in managing financial and administrative functions and in directing and developing both professional and administrative staff;
• Facility in computer software including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint;
• Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data bases, computer information databases such as Legal Files and DivorceMate, conflict of interest systems, file tickler systems and Peoplesoft;
• Access to transportation and valid driver's license;
• French language skills are considered to be an asset.


To apply submit a cover letter & resume.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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