Duty Counsel, Criminal (12 months)

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.

Primary Function

To provide criminal duty counsel services in Windsor. This role may require travel elsewhere throughout the district on occasion, specifically Chatham. Criminal Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for criminal law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person. The role includes the intake and assessment of criminal law 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; and other duties as assigned.

Home Position: Windsor Duty Counsel Office. Secondary location: Chatham Duty Counsel Office. Tertiary location: Walpole Island Satellite Court.

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 (SLA) to clients in or out of custody
• Assisting colleagues in preparation of bail hearings, guilty pleas and other forms of resolutions
• Disclosure review and Crown pre‑trial (CPT) negotiations for purposes of resolution
• Assisting clients at Judicial pre‑trials when required
• Representing clients in the Ontario Court of Justice in federal, provincial, and youth matters and in remand, bail and plea courts
• Representing clients in specialty courts including Indigenous Persons’ Court, Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Youth Courts as required
• Interviewing clients, sureties, and witnesses
• Ensuring 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
• Demonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducting bail hearings and guilty pleas
• Sound knowledge of the 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 court proceedings on immigration, criminal, 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 racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges or victims of domestic violence 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 ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
• Demonstrated proficiency in using computer‑based file management and data entry systems such as PeopleSoft, DCSW, as well as Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

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.