Associate Lawyer — Family Law

Willing Law Professional Corporation
Location: Essex, Ontario — Remote or Hybrid
Job type: Full-time
Experience: 2–4 years of Ontario family law experience
Compensation: Base salary plus production bonus

Join our growing team

I’m Amanda Willing, founder and principal lawyer of Willing Law Professional Corporation. I’m looking for a Family Law Associate who cares about their clients, takes pride in their work, and wants to help build a practice where clear advice, strong advocacy, and teamwork matter.

Family law is demanding work. Our clients often come to us during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. They need someone who can listen, explain their options, advocate effectively, and help them make informed decisions about what comes next.

You’ll have meaningful responsibility for your own files, clerking and administrative support, and direct access to me to discuss strategy and work through challenging issues. I’m looking for someone who values independence while appreciating the benefit of having a team to turn to.

About the position

We are seeking a lawyer with 2–4 years of substantive Ontario family law experience to manage matters involving separation, divorce, parenting, support, property division, and domestic contracts.

The level of independence and complexity of your caseload will reflect your experience and demonstrated abilities. You should be comfortable taking ownership of files, communicating directly with clients and opposing counsel, and moving matters forward with appropriate guidance.

This role offers fully remote or hybrid working options. Our office is based in Essex, Ontario, and you must be able to attend court in person in Windsor and Chatham as required.

What you’ll do

- Manage family law files from initial consultation through negotiation, settlement, and litigation.
- Advise clients on parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, child and spousal support, property division, and divorce.
- Develop practical file strategies that reflect clients’ goals, circumstances, and budgets.
- Draft and review pleadings, affidavits, financial statements, conference briefs, motion materials, offers to settle, and domestic contracts.
- Represent clients at conferences, motions, and other court appearances appropriate to your experience.
- Prepare clients for court appearances, negotiations, and important decisions.
- Review financial disclosure, identify deficiencies,



and follow up on outstanding information.
- Negotiate professionally with opposing counsel and self-represented parties.
- Keep clients informed about progress, costs, risks, and next steps.
- Take responsibility for court dates, procedural deadlines, and follow-up requirements.
- Work with clerks and administrative staff, providing clear instructions and reviewing delegated work.
- Maintain timely, accurate dockets and participate in billing and retainer management.
- Contribute ideas that improve our systems, client experience, and day-to-day practice.

Who you are

You are a lawyer who combines sound legal judgment with a practical, compassionate approach. You can be firm when necessary, remain professional under pressure, and explain difficult issues in language clients can understand.

You bring:

- 2–4 years of experience practising family law in Ontario.
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and entitlement to practise law in Ontario.
- Working knowledge of Ontario family law legislation, the Family Law Rules, and court procedures.
- Experience managing family law files and participating in conferences and motions.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, research, and analytical skills.
- Reliable organization and deadline management.
- The ability to work independently, follow through on commitments, and ask for guidance when needed.
- A collaborative approach to working with lawyers, clerks, and administrative staff.
- Comfort using technology to manage files and communicate effectively in a remote or hybrid environment.
- Availability to attend in-person court appearances in Windsor and Chatham as needed.

Trial experience is an asset, but is not required.

Our values

These values guide how we treat clients, approach our work, and support one another:

Calm in the Storm
We bring composure, empathy, and explicit direction to emotionally difficult situations.

Strong Advocacy
We prepare thoroughly, understand our clients’ priorities, and advocate confidently on their behalf.

Integrity
We give honest advice, set realistic expectations, and follow through on our commitments.

Resilience




We approach challenges with persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

Own It
We take responsibility for our work, deadlines, and communication. When a problem arises, we raise it early and work toward a solution.

A Path Forward
We help clients understand their options and take purposeful steps toward resolution.

What we offer

- Base salary plus a production bonus tied to collected legal fees, with compensation reflecting your experience and demonstrated ability.
- Fully remote or hybrid work options, with access to our Essex office.
- Clerking and administrative support to help you manage your practice effectively.
- Direct access to the principal lawyer for strategic guidance and collaboration.
- A caseload with meaningful responsibility and opportunities to develop your skills.
- Established procedures, templates, and practice resources.
- The opportunity to contribute to a growing firm and build a long-term career.

We want someone who takes ownership of their practice while communicating openly and working well with the team. In return, we offer flexibility, support, and the chance to have a meaningful role in the firm’s future.

Remote and hybrid arrangements

For the fully remote option, your day-to-day work may be performed remotely, with in-person court attendance in Windsor and Chatham required as needed.

For the hybrid option, you will combine remote work with attendance at our Essex office. The regular office schedule will be discussed during the hiring process.

Both arrangements require reliable availability during agreed working hours, responsive communication, and a private, secure workspace suitable for confidential client matters.

How to apply

Please send your résumé and a brief cover letter or introduction to [email protected], with the subject line:

Family Law Associate Application — [Your Name]

Tell us about the family law matters you have handled, your court experience, and what you are looking for in your next role. Please also indicate whether you prefer a fully remote or hybrid arrangement.

Applications will be treated confidentially. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Willing Law Professional Corporation welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Accommodation is available on request throughout the recruitment process.

Pay: $90,000.00-$120,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Essex, ON N8M 1B6

📌 Associate Lawyer (Essex)
🏢 Willing Law
📍 Essex