Duty Counsel - Criminal (12 Month)

**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**
To provide criminal duty counsel services in St. Catherines and Welland. This role may require travel throughout the district on occasion. As such, applicants with readily available transportation or an ability to rent a vehicle are preferred.
Criminal Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for criminal law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person once in person services resume. 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 representationat various stages of criminal court proceedings.
Home Location:
St Catherines
Secondary and tertiary locations:
Welland
Reports to:
Manager of Duty Counsel
**Key accountabilities**
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
- When appropriate, representing clients in Crown pre-trial negotiations for purposes of resolution
- Representing clients in specialty courts including 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
**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 bails hearings, and guilty pleas
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
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 impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues;
and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
- Awareness of the 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 mínimal 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 such as PeopleSoft, DCSW, etc 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)
- Ability and willingness to travel between the district court locations
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.
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**Equity Statement**
Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that