Criminal Staff Lawyer

Job Title: Criminal Staff Lawyer
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Salary: $95,678.79 - $163,502.20 /Year
Posting Date: June 9, 2026
Closing Date: June 22, 2026
Union: The Society
Job Number: J0626-0033
Job Level: SL
Open Positions: 2

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.

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 prioritising, 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.

Primary function

To provide criminal duty counsel services in Peel Region. Criminal Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for criminal law matters at the Brampton courthouse. The position is a designated in‑person position, but also requires virtual appearances depending on operational need. Criminal Duty Counsel will be responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented adult and youth clients to determine the appropriate service for those charged with criminal offences, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing criminal court documents; in court representation at various stages of criminal court proceedings.

Home Position: Brampton
Secondary/Tertiary locations: May be required to appear remotely in other Duty Counsel Offices across the Central West or other jurisdictions should the need arise.
Reports to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Assisting unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal matters
• Representing clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both in‑person and remotely
• Assessing clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
• Providing in‑person and remote summary legal advice to clients in or out of custody
• Assisting colleagues in preparation of bail hearings, guilty pleas and other forms of resolutions
• Assisting in Judicial Pre Trials
• When appropriate, representing clients in Crown pre‑trial negotiations for purposes of resolution
• Representing clients in specialty courts that can include Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health, Gladue, Domestic Violence, and Youth Courts as required
• Ensuring a high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• File management as per LAO requirements including use of computer technology; data input for statistics measurements in a timely manner
• Punctual attendance at court to perform daily duties
• Providing assistance with legal aid referrals as required
• Facilitating knowledge‑sharing and best practices among court locations and staff offices
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment
• Building and maintaining stakeholder relations
• Attending stakeholder meeting on behalf of Legal Aid Ontario as required

Required skills & experience

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducting bail hearings, and guilty pleas
• Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and related case law
• Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Communication, presentation and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skills in the Ontario Court of Justice
• Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies
• Knowledge and appreciation of impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
• Proven experience in providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as youth, racialised communities, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast‑paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated proficiency in using computer based file management and data entry systems such as PeopleSoft, DCSW, etc as well as Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilise video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)

Preferred Skills

• Bilingual French fluency is preferred
• Fluency in other languages commonly spoken in Peel will be 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 our commitment to enhancing employees’ professional and personal well‑being, reflecting our values of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging.

Your health and wellness

• Dental, health and life insurance
• Short‑Term Disability and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Permanent employees are eligible for long‑term disability insurance
• An employee assistance program (EAP) that offers professional, confidential counselling services to employees and members of their immediate families. The EAP operates programs that address common life issues such as childcare, smoking, financial difficulty, and more.
• Legal Aid Ontario offers a Health Spending Account (HSA) which is an allotment of funds provided by LAO for health and dental expenses, above what the regular plan provides.

Your work‑life balance

• 17 vacation days at hire
• Sick days
• Discretionary days
• Three paid days for religious or cultural observances
• Statutory holidays and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter Monday

Your career

• Informal Employee Networks for staff with shared identities to connect, support each other and build professional networks
• Law Society of Ontario (LSO) accredited training to support learning and professional development for all employees
• EDIB‑focused training
• Mentorship programs, including an Indigenous‑focused mentorship programme

Your future

• Employees are eligible to enrol in the defined benefit Public Service Pension Plan which provides financial security during retirement.