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 Peterborough and/or Lindsay and possibly the Central East Correctional Centre (CECC). This role may require occasional travel to other court locations within the District.
- 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.
Durham Courthouse is high volume and makes for a very demanding and challenging work environment for our Duty Counsel staff. As a result of the pandemic all services are currently being provided virtually with mínimal “on-site” supervision. This position will appeal to a lawyer experienced in a broad range of criminal proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a busy workplace, both in-person and online.
**Reporting to**:
Manager 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
Required skills &
experience
- Lawyerin good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Demonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducing bails 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, racialized 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 utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)
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.
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