The Family Law Advocate provides family law advocacy services that provide a range of legal advocacy and assistance to individuals in the community. The Family Law Advocate will also liaise with community groups and prepare and present public legal education sessions. 

Areas of law covered: Primarily family law (Family Law Act), including child protection (Child, Family, and Community Services Act), with some assistance in other overlapping matters (e.g. immigration, criminal, etc.) 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Screen and identify legal issues according to program guidelines under the direction of the supervising lawyer including; guardianship and parenting time, child support, spousal support, divorce, separation agreement, family court, Supreme Court, property and debts, and child protection 

Provide support, legal resources, information and appropriate referrals by telephone, website, email and appointment 

Assess client information and determine eligibility for referral to Legal Aid 

Where appropriate, support clients through the civil court system, including if necessary, court preparation and accompaniment, but not representation 

Follow-up with lawyers/clients re: progress/outcome of case  

Conduct legal information workshops 

Maintain contact with lawyers, Law Foundation of BC, Legal Services Society to build and maintain rapport and keep up to date with client issues Administrative and Other 

Research current policies and procedures, laws, new bills and case law, etc. to keep current with various client issues 

Ensure legal resources are kept current, requesting/ordering the various library materials, brochures etc. 

Maintain program records and statistics regarding services and activities  

Attend external meetings as needed 

Responsible for successfully completing the Law Foundation Family Law Advocate Training Course as well as attending other training provided by the Foundation. 

Qualifications: 

Education and/or Experience Required: 

Post-secondary education/or equivalent training and education in Paralegal services, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Family Law or related social service program 

Good understanding of Family Law and working knowledge of Poverty and Immigration Law 

Knowledge of community resources and other social service agencies ? Knowledge of Legal Services policies and procedures 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; MS Office skills; Work, Excel and Outlook. 

Ability to work effectively with clients who are experiencing a range of sensitive issues 

Ability to take initiative, identify urgent work items and set priorities 

Must be able to direct and able to manage confidential information 

Must have a valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle 

Preferred: 

• Experience and knowledge pertaining to Family Law in BC. 

Qualities Required: 

• Proven problem-solving ability 

• Ability to liaise with outside agencies 

• Self-motivated 

• Ability to adapt to meet the clients’ emotional and developmental changes 

• Time management and organizational skills 

Others Required: 

• Demonstrated competency in written & verbal communication  

• Valid BC driver’s license 

• Vehicle with business insurance 

• Proficiency in computer use 

• Travel may be required 

1. Accidental Death and Dismemberment;

2. Life and Dependent Life Insurance;

3. Long Term Disability;

4. Short Term Disability

5. Dental Plan (no duel coverage);

6. Extended Health Care (no duel coverage);

7. Employee Assistance Program;

8. MSP.