Description
Boutique Family Law Firm Expanding | Looking to Onboard an Associate Lawyer
Real Family Law | Serving GTA & Windsor/Essex | Remote Role
Real Family Law is a modern family law practice built on the belief that divorce and separation do not need to be destructive. We help individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult transitions of their lives with dignity, clarity, and strong legal guidance. Our work is grounded in the R.E.A.L. approach to family law - Restorative, Empathetic, Accountable, and Love-Led. This philosophy guides how we advocate for our clients and how we work together as a team. We prioritize thoughtful resolution, emotional intelligence, and long-term outcomes for families, while remaining strong advocates when litigation is necessary. We are currently seeking an experienced Family Law Lawyer to join our growing practice.
Key Responsibilities
Independently manage your own client files, providing legal advice and representation on a broad range of family law matters, including:
- Separation and divorce
- Parenting issues (decision-making responsibility and parenting time)
- Child and spousal support
- Property division and equalization
- Domestic contracts (cohabitation, marriage, and separation agreements)
Additional responsibilities include:
- Representing clients in mediations, arbitrations, negotiations, and court proceedings
- Drafting and reviewing legal documents, agreements, pleadings, and financial statements
- Managing files independently from intake through resolution
- Conducting legal research and remaining current on developments in Ontario family law
- Communicating effectively with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and other professionals
- Maintaining organized and accurate client files
- Supporting clients through complex legal and personal transitions with professionalism and empathy
Qualifications
- LL.B. or J.D. from a recognized law school
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- 5-7 years of experience practicing family law in Ontario, with demonstrated competence managing a range of matters including parenting, support, property, and divorce
- Proven ability to manage family law files independently from intake through resolution
- Strong and demonstrated experience in litigation and alternate dispute resolution modalities
- Exceptional legal drafting ability
- Ability to navigate emotionally complex and high-conflict situations with professionalism, empathy, discernment, and sound judgment
- Strong understanding of the legislation and case law
- Experience working with financial disclosure, property division, and support calculations
- Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
- Strong organizational, time-management, and file-management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple files and deadlines simultaneously
- Demonstrated commitment to client-centered and ethical practice
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals
- Proficiency with legal technology and practice management systems (e.g. Leap, DivorceMate, Adobe, Microsoft Suite, Teams, etc.)
Growth Opportunity
This role offers significant opportunity for professional growth within the firm. As the practice continues to expand, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to play a leadership role in the continued development of the family law practice. The firm encourages entrepreneurial thinking and supports lawyers who wish to develop their own client base and grow their practice.
Performance will be assessed on an ongoing basis through regular feedback and evaluation of professional development, initiative, client service, and contribution to the firm's growth. Compensation reviews and salary increases will be considered periodically and will reflect demonstrated progress, performance, and the candidate's evolving role within the firm.
How to Apply
At Real Family Law, we believe family law is more than a legal practice — it is deeply human work. Instead of a traditional cover letter, we invite applicants to write us something more personal. Please submit your resume along with a thoughtful letter that reflects on the following:
- What drew you to family law in the first place?
- Why do you continue to practice family law today?
- What aspects of this work do you find most meaningful?
- What kind of lawyer do you aspire to be in the years ahead?
- What values do you believe a family law firm should embody?
- What do you hope to build or contribute to within the firm you represent?
We are less interested in formality and more interested in authenticity, thoughtfulness, and reflection. Tell us the story behind your work.
We look forward to getting to know you and one day welcoming you to our team.
— The RFL Team
