In-House Legal Counsel

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services; New Liskeard; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services seeks an In-House Legal Counsel to provide legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to child protection staff and to represent the Agency in court. The role requires Ontario licensure and experience with CYFSA and PHIPA, plus strong litigation and negotiation skills.

The successful candidate will travel across the NEOFACS catchment, work with Indigenous communities where applicable, and demonstrate leadership that promotes trust,

Qualifications

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• 1–2 years representing children, parents or CAOs under CYFSA or in family law.
• Experience before the Child and Family Services Review Board is an asset.
• Strong litigation, negotiation, and dispute-resolution abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals.
• Experience applying CYFSA Part X and PHIPA.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• G2 driver’s license or higher; willing to obtain G Class license with access to vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to staff.
• Represent the Agency before all levels of court.
• Support multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with other agencies.
• Travel across the NEOFACS catchment, including fly-in communities.
• Respect and incorporate Indigenous cultural norms and values.

Skills

Litigation skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

PHIPA/CYFSA knowledge

Bilingual English/French

Education

LL.B. or J.D. with good standing in Ontario

Job description

IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL

Twelve (12) month Full-time Contract Position in any NEOFACS Location

The In-House Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to child protection staff, as well as representing the Agency before all levels of court. The ideal candidate will be a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, with demonstrated knowledge and experience applying the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (including Part X) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Strong litigation and negotiation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to foster effective working relationships within a multidisciplinary team are essential to success in this role.

Moreover, the ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills, have a vested interest in our programs, particularly in child protection services, and excel at recognizing strengths while fostering a culture of trust, respect, fairness, consistency, diversity, and inclusiveness.

This position requires travel throughout the NEOFACS catchment area, including to fly-in communities along the western James Bay coast. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in partnership with these communities, respecting and incorporating their traditional cultural norms and values. Proficiency in Cree is considered an asset, as is previous experience working with Indigenous communities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS (QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS):

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, with membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• One to two years of experience representing children, parents, or Children’s Aid Societies in matters under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) or in family law proceedings.
• Experience appearing before the Child and Family Services Review Board is considered an asset.
• Strong litigation, negotiation, and dispute resolution abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively and effectively with multidisciplinary professionals.
• Demonstrated experience applying the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (including Part X) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• Candidates must possess a minimum G2 driver’s license at the time of application and be willing to obtain a valid G Class driver’s license as a condition of employment or already possess a valid G Class driver’s license and have access to their own vehicle.

The job description for this position is available upon request.

September 25, 2026

Quote Competition # 26- 65

Salary: $113,950 to $136,064 annually

NEOFACS is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise the interview coordinator of accommodation measures you may require during our selection process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Working together for the well-being and safety of children, youth and families.