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-time, 1-year contract with possibility for renewal.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAll duties and responsibilities will be carried out in accordance with Barbra Schlifer Clinic's Mandate, Mission and Values Statements.CLIENT SERVICES, ADVICE AND REPRESENTATIONProvide 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 lawAssist self-represented clients in advocating with third parties in relation to their experiences of violenceProvide trauma-informed legal representation when appropriateAssess urgent legal matters and prioritize client issues/caseworkAssess client needs for safety and social support and make appropriate referrals to legal and community resourcesAssist with applications for legal aid and referrals to lawyers, as appropriateBuild 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 violenceProvide services in various formats including in person, phone, video, and in community at partner agenciesWork with interpreters for the delivery of client services,



as neededDemonstrate commitment to increasing understanding of cultural context in service delivery and as it intersects with gender-based violenceSYSTEMIC ADVOCACY/ RESEARCHSupport 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 practicesSupport Director of Legal Services with outreach and relationship building with partner agenciesBe available to participate in various external stakeholder committees and coalitions to represent and promote the interests of survivors of violenceBuild 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 violenceSTUDENT AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMSAssist in the delivery of orientation/training, supervision, mentoring and evaluation of Clinic's law students and volunteersADMINISTRATION AND OTHERFollow appropriate file/case management practices and maintain explicit and complete client recordsCollect and report statistics as required by the Clinic and funder reportsAttend Legal Department and Clinic-wide meetingsEngage in annual program planning and program evaluation, where appropriateWork collaboratively with other department staff including Intake, Counselling, Interpretation Services, Fundraising and Executive OfficeComply with all Clinic policies and procedures as revised from time to timeSUPERVISION, TRAINING AND ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTParticipate 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 responsibilityAttend knowledge enhancement sessions organized by the ClinicParticipate in ongoing supervision and periodic performance evaluations, as may be required by the ClinicKEY RELATIONSHIPSThe 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 appropriateThe Community Staff Lawyer will report to and be supervised by the Director of Legal ServicesMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS1-2 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 travelto community partner sites across GTA and OntarioMembership in good standing in the Law Society of OntarioAbility to empathize and communicate well with clients in a non-judgmental mannerDemonstrated 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 violenceExcellent interpersonal, organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills; written and oral communication skillsUnderstanding of legal and social issues of violence against women and gender-based violence consistent with a feminist, intersectional, anti-oppression analysisCommitment to working cooperatively in an inclusive, woman-positive, multi-disciplinary environmentIntermediate/advanced level skills in various computer applications and utilization of other office technologyFluency in a language other than English is an assetCORE COMPETENCIESCommitment to working collaboratively with and supporting clients of diversity within the context of a diverse agencyEngagement in a trauma-informed, self-reflective, ethical and cooperative practice that is nonjudgmental and empathic and reflects the vision and mission statements of the ClinicIncorporation of principles of diversity and equity in responding to the service needs of clientsCommitment to working toward removing systemic barriers to women's independence and wellbeingExcellent interpersonal, organizational, time-management and critical thinking skills, written and oral communication skillsAbility to work and support others in the context of a diverse environmentAbility to work independently and as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environmentBe a self-starter, creative and highly motivatedShare ideas and differences in the spirit of collaboration and cooperationCommitment to ongoing personal and professional developmentSALARY: starting salary is $75,808 annuallyA comprehensive perks package is offered through a group plan as part of our United Way membership, following a successful probationary periodThe position also includes pro-rated payment of Law Society Membership fees and Law Pro Insurance coverage.DEADLINE: Resumes are currently being accepted, the posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is engaged. 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 disabilitiesPlease 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.We thank all candidates for their interest. However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

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