Legal Counsel

Description

Benefits of Working at BGCFS

• Eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, extended medical insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance;
• Eligible for OMERS pension plan;
• Eligible for salary increases in accordance with company policy;
• Eligible for a health spending and wellness account;
• Eligible for meal allowances, personal vehicle insurance reimbursement of $250; CAA “Plus” membership reimbursement; and
• Eligible for Management Compensatory Days.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Court Related Activities:

• Prepares cases for presentation in court by coordinating the gathering of all information and evidence, drafting and/or reviewing pleadings, affidavits, briefs, and other documents for filing with the court and preparing witnesses
• Represents the BGCFS in all levels of the courts and tribunals in relation to CYFSA, Children's Law Reform Act, Family Law Act, and other statutes in both contested and uncontested matters including adjournments, contested motions, motions for summary judgment, hearings, conferences, motions for disclosure and trials, appeals
• Prepares and documents all legal issues, processes, and case activities/dispositions
• Negotiates settlements where possible
• Represents the agency with respect to any litigation involving disclosure of agency records
• Represents the BGCFS in Child Abuse Register expunction hearings
• Ensures documentation of all legal issues, processes, and case activities in accordance with established procedures
• Provides assistance, where required, in the preparation of legal notice and documentation of court related matters
• Assists the Child Protection Workers as required in their preparation to appear on criminal matters and on family law related matters
• Liaises with other outside agency lawyers with respect to court applications
• Liaises with parents and/or counsel representing the parents and children's counsel or the Crown as the case may be

Legal Consultation

• Provides legal advice and services to BGCFS staff on the interpretation and application of the CYFSA and other legislation pertaining to child welfare or family law
• Provides legal consultation with staff regarding case planning, abuse registration, adoption issues, etc.
• Participates in case conferencing, decision making forums and advises where appropriate on case management issues

Relationship Management

• Demonstrates behaviours, actions and attitudes that are consistent with BGCFS's vision, mission, and values
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships at all levels of the agency in order to build trust and confidence in the services provided
• Establishes positive relationships with key stakeholders, internal and external to the BGCFS such as agency staff, judges and employees of the Ontario Courts, Public Health, medical professionals, the OACAS and OCCAS and other collateral, community resources and organizations in the community
• Provides liaison with community counsel contracted to offer assistance with trials and back up agency counsel
• Shares information according to privacy and/or confidentiality guidelines
• Ensures appropriate communication with appropriate manager at appropriate time
• Respects ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial, and cultural differences

Team Building

• Develops professional working relationships with team members
• Works respectfully, positively, and collaboratively within a team environment sharing experiences and lessons learned
• Actively participates and engages in team and staff meetings, training sessions and other meetings/sessions as required
• Supports the team and works with team members to ensure department needs are met including absence coverage

Knowledge, Education, Experience, Skills & Attributes

Qualifications

• Two to three years of undergraduate studies, a bachelor's degree from a recognized law school, successful completion of the bar examination and completion of a period of articling are required.
• Membership in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• 1-2 years of experience representing children, parents, or a Children's Aid Society in CYFSA or Family Law proceedings
• Excellent knowledge of case preparation, presentation and litigation techniques and alternative dispute resolution strategies
• Advanced knowledge of legislation governing child welfare including CYFSA, Family Law Rules, Rules of Evidence, Ontario Courts of Justice Act, regulations, and related statutes
• Basic knowledge of relevant CAS/industry computer applications such as CPIN Knowledge and experience in the application of related legal theory and practice

General Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills providing constructive, meaningful, and timely interaction with all levels of staff
• Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical thinking with attention to detail in the presence of frequent interruptions
• Excellent ability to make decisions of sound judgment and provide legal advice
• Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to change
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner
• Advanced ability to analyze information, problem-solve and make solid recommendations
• Self-directed with an excellent ability to organize, plan, prioritize and multi-task
• Acts with integrity, trustworthiness, humility, transparency, and compassion
• Excellent ability to work with and meet tight, critical timelines
• Participate in regular meetings with children, families, and other professionals
• Multi-tasks within a fast-paced, high-volume, and demanding environment
• Absorbs and interprets information from multiple parties on a regular basis
• Required to listen to and reconcile multiple points of view being discussed/presented
• Frequent travel within the BGCFS region and occasional travel to the three BGCFS office sites
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous environments including driving conditions, volatile situations, and visits to client's homes.
• Occasional lifting of children or heavy objects may be required
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver's License and reliable transportation

BGCFS Commitments

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at hr@bgcfs.ca. Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

We are committed to promoting a culture of belonging and inclusion in an environment that is both physically and psychologically healthy and safe.

To learn more about the Legal Counsel role please review here: Careers - Bruce Grey Child & Family Services

To apply, please submit your resume to hr@bgcfs.ca by September 24, 2026, quoting posting number #2026-24 in your expression of interest.