Associate Lawyer - Family Law
Willing Law Professional Corporation | Essex, Ontario
Full-time | Hybrid | 3–4 years of family law experience
Base salary: $100,000–$120,000 annually, plus a production bonus
About Willing Law
Willing Law Professional Corporation is a growing firm based in Essex, serving clients throughout Windsor–Essex and across Ontario. We help clients navigate separation, divorce, and major life transitions through clear advice, thoughtful strategy, and strong advocacy.
We are seeking an Associate Lawyer with 3–4 years of substantive Ontario family law experience who is ready to take ownership of a caseload and contribute to the continued growth of our practice.
This role offers meaningful independence, clerking and administrative support, and direct access to the principal lawyer for strategic guidance and complex matters.
Our values
Our values guide how we serve clients and work together:
- Calm in the Storm: Bring composure, empathy, and clear advice to difficult situations so clients can make informed decisions.
- Strong Advocacy: Prepare thoroughly, advocate confidently, and pursue practical outcomes that advance our clients’ interests.
- Integrity: Be honest, exercise sound professional judgment, and follow through on commitments.
- Resilience: Meet challenges with persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
- Own It: Take responsibility for your files, deadlines, communication, and work product. Identify concerns early and bring forward solutions.
- A Path Forward: Help clients move from uncertainty toward a clear plan with realistic expectations and purposeful next steps.
Your role
You will independently manage family law matters from initial consultation through negotiation, settlement, and litigation, seeking guidance where appropriate.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Advising clients on divorce, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, property division, and domestic contracts.
- Developing and implementing file strategies aligned with each client’s circumstances, priorities, and budget.
- Drafting and reviewing applications, answers, affidavits, financial statements, conference briefs, motion materials, agreements, and offers to settle.
- Representing clients at case conferences, settlement conferences, motions, and other court appearances.
- Preparing clients for court appearances, negotiations, and significant decisions.
- Reviewing financial disclosure, identifying deficiencies, and pursuing outstanding information.
- Negotiating constructively with opposing counsel and self-represented parties.
- Providing timely updates and explaining legal options, risks, costs, and next steps.
- Personally managing and verifying court dates, limitation periods, and procedural deadlines.
- Delegating effectively to clerks and administrative staff, providing clear instructions and reviewing completed work.
- Maintaining accurate, timely dockets and participating in billing and retainer management.
- Following firm procedures and contributing practical ideas to improve how we work.
What you bring
You have:
- 3–4 years of substantive experience practising family law in Ontario.
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and entitlement to practise law in Ontario.
- Strong working knowledge of Ontario family law legislation, the Family Law Rules, and court procedures.
- Experience independently managing family law files and conducting conferences and routine motions.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, legal analysis, and advocacy skills.
- The judgment to make sound decisions independently and recognize when guidance is needed.
- Excellent organization, attention to detail, and reliable deadline management.
- The ability to communicate calmly and clearly with clients facing emotionally difficult circumstances.
- Experience working effectively with clerks and administrative staff.
- A professional, collaborative approach and openness to constructive feedback.
Trial experience and experience in real estate or wills and estates are assets.
What we offer
- A base salary of $100,000–$120,000, based on relevant experience and demonstrated ability.
- A production bonus tied to collected legal fees, with the structure and expectations discussed during the interview process.
- A hybrid work arrangement combining remote work with regular attendance at our Essex office.
- Clerking and administrative support.
- Direct collaboration with the principal lawyer on strategy and complex matters.
- Established workflows, practice resources, and firm procedures.
- Meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to help shape a growing practice.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and a long-term career with the firm.
Hybrid work arrangement
This position combines working remotely with working from our Essex office. The regular in-office schedule will be established during the hiring process.
You must be available to attend in-person court appearances, client meetings, and team meetings as required. Whether working remotely or in the office, we expect consistent availability during agreed working hours, responsive communication, and secure handling of confidential information.
How to apply
Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter to amanda@willinglaw.com using the subject line “Associate Lawyer Application - [Your Name].”
In your cover letter, please describe:
- Your family law experience and the types of files you have independently managed.
- Your experience conducting conferences and motions.
- What you are looking for in your next role and why Willing Law interests you.
- Sample of your writing
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.
