Community Staff Lawyer (Contract, Full-Time 12-months) Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offers trauma-informed legal services and representation, counselling and multilingual interpretation, and drives system transformation to support women and gender diverse people who have experienced violence. Rooted in the foundations of intersectionality, innovation, and a client-centred approach, we foster the skills and resilience of the people we serve and amplify their voices to create individual and collective change. The Clinic’s Legal Department provides summary legal advice, brief services and representation in the areas of family and immigration law, and independent legal advice about various legal options for survivors of sexual assault and inmate partner violence The Legal Department is a collaborative team of lawyers, Family Court Support Workers and administrative staff.

The Community Staff

Lawyer will perform services as part of the Clinic’s Ontario-wide Independent Legal Advice program for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. We are seeking a lawyer with experience in feminist legal advocacy and gender-based violence within the intersecting context of family law, immigration law, and sexual violence for a full-ti me, 1-year contract with possibility for renewal. Provide trauma-informed summary legal advice, brief intervention/advocacy services and representation to client survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and gender-based violence in the areas of criminal, civil, family, immigration and refugee law Assist self-represented clients in advocating with third parties in relation to their experiences of violence Provide trauma-informed legal representation when appropriate Assess urgent legal matters and prioritize client issues/casework Assess client needs for safety and social support and make appropriate referrals to legal and community resources Assist with applications for legal aid and referrals to lawyers,



as appropriate Build partnerships and work with community agencies around Toronto and Ontario to receive referrals and provide summary legal advice to their clients with intersecting issues related to sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence Provide services in various formats including in person, phone, video, and in community at partner agencies SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY/ RESEARCH Support in the design and delivery of professional development and public legal education presentations on issues relevant to gender-based violence and the law and trauma-informed practices Support Director of Legal Services with outreach and relationship building with partner agencies Build and maintain knowledge of the Clinic’s areas of legal practice, including updates on case law, statutes and regulations relating to legal processes affecting survivors of sexual assault, inmate partner violence and gender-based violence STUDENT AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS ~ Assist in the delivery of orientation/training, supervision, mentoring and evaluation of Clinic’s law students and volunteers Follow appropriate file/case management practices and maintain clear and complete client records Attend Legal Department and Clinic-wide meetings Work collaboratively with other department staff including Intake, Counselling, Interpretation Services, Fundraising and Executive Office Comply with all Clinic policies and procedures as revised from time to time SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in orientation, training and ongoing professional development programs as may be required by the Clinic and the Law Society of Ontario to ensure proficiency in all areas of responsibility Participate in ongoing supervision and periodic performance evaluations, as may be required by the Clinic The Community Staff Lawyer is a member of the Clinic’s Legal Department.





They will be collaborative and supportive members of the Legal Department team and will work collaboratively with other staff and Departments, as appropriate The Community Staff Lawyer will report to and be supervised by the Director of Legal Services 1-2 years’ experience in the practice of law related to sexual assault or intimate partner violence, with specific expertise in feminist legal advocacy; ability for some travel to community partner sites across GTA and Ontario ~ Membership in valuable standing in the Law Society of Ontario ~ Demonstrated ability to advocate strongly on behalf of clients and to engage in community development, public legal education, professional development and law reform on issues relevant to survivors of gender-based violence ~ Understanding of legal and social issues of violence against women and gender-based violence consistent with a feminist, intersectional, anti-oppression analysis ~ Commitment to working cooperatively in an inclusive, woman-positive, multi-disciplinary environment ~ Intermediate/advanced level skills in various computer applications and utilization of other office technology ~ Fluency in a language other than English is an asset Commitment to working collaboratively with and supporting clients of diversity within the context of a diverse agency Incorporation of principles of diversity and equity in responding to the service needs of clients Commitment to working toward removing systemic barriers to women’s independence and wellbeing Be a self-starter, creative and highly motivated Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development The position also includes pro-rated payment of Law Society Membership fees and Law Pro Insurance coverage. We would like to fill the position immediately.

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative

Clinic is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates from equity seeking groups and is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities Please let us know if you require accommodation due to a disability during any aspect of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to address your needs. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE #

📌 Community Staff Lawyer (Contract, Full-Time 12-months) (Toronto)
🏢 Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
📍 Toronto