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Legal Assistant

Job ID42-DD-E7-36-84-CC
CompanyNative Child And Family Services Of Toronto
LocationToronto
ProvinceOntario
Date Posted2023-02-17
Posted Until2023-04-18
Job TypeFull-time
Job CategoryLaw
Job DetailsView attachment
Description
Location: 30 College St., Toronto

Classification: Regular FT

Summary:
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.

Primary Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Supervisor, Legal Services the Legal Assistant will provide comprehensive legal administrative support to NCFST's in-house legal counsel.

-Sets up physical file and inputs new client information in Divorcemate. Maintains this system when and if information changes.
-Maintains filing system for legal department.
-Prepares court documents for review by the lawyers including Applications, Affidavits, Motions, Briefs, Consent packages, Orders and Appeal documents.
-Forwards documents to workers for them to complete and follows up to ensure completion.
-Responsible for service of court documents by fax, process server/service by other CASs and or service by workers. Follow-up and complete affidavits of service for this.
-Gathers information necessary for the preparation of documents including information related to identification of parties, entitlement to notice and inquiries to locate people for service. Prepares affidavits setting out attempts to locate people as directed by counsel.
-Opens and maintains organization of legal electronic and/or paper files containing records, pleadings, documents, orders and correspondence.
-Provides legal administrative support for counsel including receiving, preparing and sending correspondence, copying, faxing, data entry, filing and phone calls.
-Assist lawyers with scheduling and tracking of court dates and deadlines.
-E-files or attends at court to file the Continuing Record as well as having applications issued and filing of other court documents [such as affidavits of service, subsequent pleadings, orders].
-Ensures that external counsel receive copies of all documents. created/served/signed, including updated table of contents after each filing.
-Liaise with Court staff to arrange court dates, address filing or other issues.
-Processes court orders [receives final orders, serves all relevant parties including the Director on Extended Society Care orders, prepares affidavits of service of the orders, distributes copies of orders to workers].
-Prepares reports and statistical records using database/spreadsheet applications.
-Maintains office supplies for team.
-Prompt communication with counsel on any/all issues arising during execution of duties.
-Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:
-A post-secondary degree/diploma from a Law Clerk or equivalent education program or a minimum 2 years recent litigation-related administrative experience in a law office or legal setting including drafting and document preparation.
-Computer literacy and sound working knowledge of systems used at NCFST, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, Divorcemate, Frontline, E-filing.
-General office and secretarial practices.
-Working knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
-Knowledge of legal process related to child protection, family law and litigation.
-Knowledge of Indigenous culture(s) and urban Indigenous issues.
-Excellent organizational skills with a high attention to detail.
-Demonstrated ability to prioritize and to take initiative.
-Good communication skills (oral and written), professional telephone manner.
-Good interpersonal skills and ability to liaise with staff at all levels, outside counsel etc.
-Recognition of the need for discretion and confidentiality in carrying out all tasks.
-Ability to work independently, quickly and accurately.
-Flexibility and ability to adapt to a changing work environment.
Start Date3-4 weeks
Salary$38,855- $72,973 year 35 hrs/wk.
LanguagesEnglish
How To ApplyClick "Apply Now" or email ewoodard@nativechild.org

To apply, please provide:
-Cover letter outlining how you how meet the qualifications of the role.
-Current resume and include three work related references
-Proof of Vaccination. NCFST employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.
-As a multi-service urban Aboriginal agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services to Aboriginal children, and families, NCFST will give priority to applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and those with close affiliations.

NCFST is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, NCFST will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.