Duty Counsel

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

There will be the expectation that the successful individual will be open to receiving training in the area of law they lack experience in with the objective of eventually becoming a strong practitioner in both Criminal and Family law.

At LAO our Criminal Duty Counsel are 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; and in-court representation at various stages of criminal court proceedings.

Our LAO Family Duty Counsel are responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented family law clients to determine the appropriate service, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing family court documents and pleadings; and in-court representation at various stages of a family court and/or child protection proceedings.

**Home Position**: Perth

**Secondary/Tertiary locations can include**: Brockville

**Reporting to**: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities
- Act as a Criminal and Family Staff Lawyer, providing services both in-person and remotely
- Provide criminal law duty counsel services and representation in the Ontario Court of Justice, including advice, negotiations, consent releases, bail hearings, resolutions, and other services as required
- Provide family law duty counsel services and representation in the Superior Court of Justice, Unified Family Court (UFC), including advice, document preparation, negotiations, First Appearances, case conferences, motions, and other services as required
- Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
- Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) as required
- Provide advice lawyer services on the Summary Legal Advice (SLA) telephone service for family and criminal law as required
- Work in an inter-professional team, providing instructions and mentorship to Legal Aid Workers (LAWs)

and Students
- Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
- Maintain client files and conflict lists
- Record data and produce reports as required within established reporting times
- Provide assistance with legal aid referrals as required
- Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment

Required skills & experience
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Understanding and knowledge of relevant criminal law legislation OR understanding and knowledge of relevant family law legislation, child protection law
- Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
- Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills
- Client-focused
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders
- Sound judgment and problem solving skills
- Personal motivation and accountability
- Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies, including Smartphones, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, iPad and iPhones
- Ability to research and retrieve information
- Bilingual French fluency, including the ability to provide French legal services is a asset

Preferred Skills & Experiences
- Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
- Prior family, CYFSA and criminal law court experience is an asset but not necessary
- Demonstrated experience 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
- Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues
- Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues
- Experience with Service Integration and Divorcemate
- Own transportation

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.

Equity Statement

Building a diverse workforce that represents the