Legal Counsel
Temporary - 12-month, Full-Time | Non-Union Opportunity
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Inclusivity
The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa is committed to removing systemic barriers and advancing equitable hiring practices. We take pride in a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and are firmly grounded in principles of anti-racism and anti-oppression.
Increasing representation is essential to delivering the best possible service to children, youth, and families. CASO is committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and respectful work environment—free from oppression—where the dignity, worth, and rights of every employee are recognized and upheld.
The Role
Reporting to the Manager, Legal Services, the Legal Counsel provides legal advice and representation to the Society and its staff on matters related to CASO’s child welfare mandate, and related legal matters.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, social justice, and child welfare, supporting frontline practice while advancing legally sound, equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families.
This role offers the unique opportunity to focus on child welfare cases involving First Nations, Inuit & Métis families and, as such, to help contribute to CASO’s Reconciliation commitments. Further, this position has been created as part of CASO’s Shared Services program with other child protection agencies. In particular, 80% of the work done in this position will be for an Indigenous child well-being agency in Northern Ontario. As such, the position can be virtual from anywhere in the province, with the exceptions listed below.
- Provide legal advice to agency staff and its Shared Services partners regarding the interpretation and application of legislation related to child welfare, family law, and ancillary matters such as the protection of personal information.
- Represent the Society and its Shared Services partners in child protection court proceedings from first appearance through contested motions, conferences, trials, appeals, and negotiated settlements.
- Represent the Society and its Shared Services partners in applications for production of Society records in criminal or civil proceedings, in expunction hearings under the Child Abuse Register, and hearings before the Child and Family Services Review Board, as well as the matters before the Information & Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
- Prepare cases for Court by coordinating the collection of evidence and information, drafting pleadings, affidavits, briefs, and other court documents.
- Prepare and support witnesses for Court proceedings.
- Negotiate settlements and promote alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.
- Provide guidance to Society staff and its Shared Services partners on case management, evidence requirements, and court procedures.
- Participate in the development and delivery of training on legal matters for Society staff, its Shared Services partners, foster parents, and community stakeholders.
- Prepare and deliver presentations or training sessions related to child welfare law.
- Document all legal advice and case activities in accordance with established procedures.
- Ensure timely reporting and communication with internal clients.
Travel
- The position is virtual and the employee can work from anywhere in the province, apart from the following:
- Travel to the jurisdiction of the child wellbeing agency in North Ontario when required for training, long Motions and trials (all expenses to be covered)
- Travel to Ottawa quarterly for internal meetings (expenses to be covered by the employee).
Education & Professional Requirements
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)/ Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a university of recognized standing.
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and its regulations, the Federal Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit & Métis children, the Family Law Rules, and the law of evidence.
- Solid experience in litigation, including case preparation and courtroom advocacy.
- The ability to provide sound legal advice and representation in complex matters with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.
- A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated knowledge and respect of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture, heritage and the historic relationship between child welfare and Indigenous peoples and the intergenerational impact of colonization;
- Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively work and engage with Indigenous Peoples;
- Demonstrated understanding of the culture, history, and ongoing systemic oppressions faced by Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- A demonstrated commitment to applying anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-Indigenous racism, and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ lenses to legal practice and social issues.
Assets
- Experience representing a Children’s Aid Society, children, or parents in child protection proceedings is considered an asset.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary range: $101,517 to $137,696, commensurate with skills and experience.
- As this is a one (1) year contract position, the employee will receive 25% additional compensation in lieu of benefits.
Accessibility & Accommodations
CASO is committed to an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment and work environment. Accommodations will be provided to applicants throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
