Duty Counsel, Criminal

Primary Function

To provide duty counsel services, remotely and in-person, at the Toronto Courthouse, Toronto Regional Bail Centre or the Toronto South Detention Centre. The individual selected for this position will rotate between these locations and any other locations in the City of Toronto where criminal duty counsel services are provided.

Home location: Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto, 10 Armoury Street. Secondary/Tertiary locations can include: the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West and the Toronto South Detention Centre at 160 Horner Avenue. Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services.

A high-volume of clients with complex and varying needs seek criminal duty counsel services in Toronto, making for a demanding and challenging work environment. This position will appeal to a lawyer with experience in a broad range of criminal proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a dynamic and sometimes hectic workplace. The preferred candidate will be a self‑starter with substantial criminal law experience in the private or public sector who is familiar with LAO criminal duty counsel services.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner.
• Represent clients for bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both in-person and remotely.
• Courageous advocacy on behalf of clients who are often dealing with mental health issues, poverty, racism and homelessness.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including detention center staff, police division staff, Crown Attorneys, court staff and community agencies.
• Assist self-represented clients charged with criminal or quasi-criminal matters.
• Assess clients’ needs in order to make referrals to appropriate community services. This includes the early identification of vulnerable clients to proactively offer referrals to support services.
• Provide legal advice to clients in or out of custody.
• Represent clients in specialty courts including Mental Health, Gladue, Domestic Violence, Drug Treatment, and Youth courts as required.
• When appropriate, represent clients in Crown pre-trial negotiations for purposes of resolution.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about criminal law and practice.
• Timely file management, as per LAO requirements (this includes using computer technology, smartphones and required software).
• Data collection, including timely recording of services provided.
• Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
• Identify and communicate risks to LAO.
• Punctual attendance at court or online to perform daily duties.
• Certificate referrals and referrals to other LAO services, as required.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices amongst colleagues.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience

• Significant criminal law court experience.
• Well-developed interview skills including a proven ability to identify vulnerable clients in order to provide appropriate service and referrals.
• Proven ability to document client files including advice to clients and instructions.
• Prior training, advocacy experience or demonstrated interest, in mental health, Indigenous, addictions, homelessness and youth issues.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment particularly when dealing with stressful situations.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients.
• Capacity to help train and mentor new staff/students.
• Knowledge of LAO’s operations and mandate.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
• French language, or other language skills is considered an asset.

What We Offer

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well‑being.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that includes dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD).

Employees enjoy generous paid time‑off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.

Employees are eligible to be enrolled in the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

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