Duty Counsel, Criminal

Company Bio

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Primary function

In addition to working with a team passionate about access to justice and making a difference in the lives of many of societies most vulnerable, LAO offers a comprehensive medical and dental benefits through Sun Life, an Employee Assistance Program through Telus Health and we are a member of the Ontario Public Service Pension Plan.

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.

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 for duty counsel staff. 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.

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

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 do 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 include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD).

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.

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

How To Apply

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire.

First preference will be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.

Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.

Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call View phone number on ca.workus.org or email support: ***email_hidden***.

Equity Statement

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.