Criminal Staff Lawyer (18 months)

Criminal Staff Lawyer (18 months)

Primary function

To provide duty counsel services at the Oshawa Courthouse.

Location: Oshawa Duty Counsel Office.

Reporting: Manager, Legal Services.

Key Accountabilities

• Assisting unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal or quasi-criminal matters
• Representing clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both in-person and remotely
• Assessing clients' needs, including 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
• When appropriate, representing clients in Crown pre-trial negotiations for purposes of resolution
• Representing clients in specialty courts including Youth Courts and Drug Treatment Court 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
• Performing other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remaining adaptable and flexible in a changing environment

Required Skills & Experience

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Legal knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to represent clients with sensitive legal issues including conducting bail hearings and guilty pleas
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
• Sound knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and 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 the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
• Background, knowledge, awareness of challenges faced when serving vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Ability to use computer based file management and data entry systems as well as Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)

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.