Duty Counsel - Criminal

Union:
The Society
- Job Number:
J1023-0447
- Job Title:
Duty Counsel - Criminal (12 month)
- Job Type:
Contract
- Contract Duration:
12 months
- City, Province, Country:
St. Catharines and area, Ontario, Canada
- Job Location:
St. Catharines and area
- Job Category:
Legal
- Job Classification:
SL
- Role Designation:
- LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.- Open Positions:
1
- Posting Date:
November 8, 2023
- Closing Date:
November 22, 2023
- Salary:
$83,343.00 - $142,422.00/YearLegal 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 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.
**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