Independent Contractor Lawyer
Family Law Ottawa, ON Full-Time or Part-Time Set Your Own Schedule
Location
Hybrid Remote — Ottawa, ON (K2P 1L4); on-demand office steps from the Ottawa Superior Court of Justice
Engagement Type
Independent contractor (sole proprietorship or professional corporation required)
Schedule
Self-directed — no clock-in / clock-out; 15 to 40 hours per week based on the volume you choose to carry
Compensation
HCLS operates on a Platform Fee model. Your earnings are a direct function of the volume of work you choose to carry. There are no salary caps and no minimum billing requirements imposed on you — you set your targets.
Fee Earnings
$48,000 – $120,000 per year (based on your own billable hours and targets)
Fee Arrangement
Commission-based; the more you bill, the more you retain + monthly overhead costs
Qualifications
Required
- J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited law school
- Called to the Ontario Bar and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Roster member of Legal Aid Ontario (Family) — this is mandatory
- Sole proprietorship or professional corporation, or willingness and ability to register one
- Strong drafting, research, and advocacy skills
- Ability to manage a caseload independently and build client relationships
Experience
- New calls are welcome, provided there is prior work experience in family law (articling or otherwise)
- Experienced counsel seeking greater autonomy are equally encouraged to apply
- 0 to 10+ years of call — we assess fit in the Network on skill and motivation, not year of call alone
About HCLS
Home Counsel Legal Services Professional Corporation (HCLS) is a digital-first family law firm based in Ottawa. We operate as a curated network of independent lawyers who share a common infrastructure, client pipeline, and practice management platform. Our model is straightforward: we handle the business of law so our Members can focus on the practice of law.
We are growing, and we are looking for lawyers who want to build a meaningful practice on their own terms without starting from scratch.
The Opportunity
HCLS is recruiting an independent contractor lawyer with a focus in family law. Lawyers in other areas — criminal, employment, wills and estates — are also welcome to apply, provided they practice independently and have a demonstrated track record of doing so.
This is not a traditional associate position. You will carry your own files, manage your own client relationships, and run your practice on your schedule. What HCLS provides is the platform, additional clients, and the infrastructure that make that possible from day one.
What You Will Do
Advise and represent clients in family law matters: separation, divorce, parenting, support, property, and child protection
- Draft pleadings, motions, agreements, minutes of settlement, and other court and transactional documents
- Appear in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice (Ottawa, Perth, Brockville, Cornwall, and l’Orignal Unified Family Courts)
- Negotiate settlements and manage counsel-to-counsel communications
- Conduct legal research
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date files within the practice management system
What HCLS Provides
The Platform
- Full access to Clio for practice management, time tracking, billing, and client communication
- Specialized AI legal research and drafting assistants
- A curated library of Ontario family law precedents and templates
- Secure document automation and client portal
The Office
- On-demand access to a first-class office located directly across from the Ottawa Superior Court of Justice
- Private meeting rooms, glass-walled offices with courthouse views, quiet rooms, and ergonomic workstations
- Ideal for client consultations, case prep, and court days — use it as much or as little as you want
The Community
- A network of peer lawyers for strategy, mentorship, and referrals
- Bi-weekly in-person meet-ups and virtual sessions
- CPD programming and practice development support
- Exclusive rates on software and tools to keep your overhead low
Why Lawyers Choose HCLS
Most lawyers who join HCLS are looking for one of two things: autonomy without isolation, or a launchpad for a new practice without the overhead and client development burden of going fully solo. HCLS delivers both.
You are not an employee. You are not a traditional associate. You are an independent practitioner backed by a full operational infrastructure and a firm that has already done the work of building a client base in family law in the National Capital Region. The clients come to you. The admin is handled. The office is there when you need it. The rest is up to you.
Ready to Join the Home Team?
Submit your materials through hc-ls.ca/work-with-hcls or contact us directly. We review applications on a rolling basis.
Home Counsel Legal Services Professional Corporation is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Member network.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: $48,000.00-$120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Are you currently licensed to practice law in the Province of Ontario? If so, please provide your LSO Solicitor Number.
- What area of law are you specialized in, if any?
- Are you a roster member with Legal Aid Ontario? If yes, what is your solicitor number?
Language:
Work Location: Remote
