Duty Counsel

3 weeks ago


Toronto, Canada Legal Aid Ontario Full time

Union: The Society
- Job Number: J0323-0052
- Job Title: Duty Counsel - Criminal (12 months)
- Job Type: Contract
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Job Location: Toronto
- 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: March 6, 2023
- Closing Date: March 20, 2023
- Salary: $83,343.00 - $142,422.00/Year

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 at the Old City Hall Courthouse, as directed by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), and/or at any location in Toronto where criminal duty counsel services are provided. This will include the New Toronto Courthouse or Toronto Regional Bail Centre.

Old City Hall Courthouse is high volume and makes for a very demanding and challenging work environment for our Duty Counsel staff. This position will appeal to a lawyer experienced in a broad range of criminal proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a hectic and sometimes frenetic workplace, both in-person and online.

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 representation at various stages of criminal court proceedings.

Home location: Old City Hall/New Toronto Court House
Secondary/Tertiary locations can include: Toronto Regional Bail Centre and the Toronto South Detention Centre

**Key accountabilities**:

- Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner.
- Represent clients for bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both in-person and remotely.
- Courageous advocacy on behalf of clients who are often dealing with mental health issues, poverty, racism and homelessness.
- Liaise with stakeholders, including detention center staff, police division staff, Crown Attorneys, court staff and community agencies.
- Assist self-represented clients charged with criminal or quasi-criminal matters.
- Assess clients’ needs in order to make referrals to appropriate community services. This includes the early identification of vulnerable clients to proactively offer referrals to support services.
- Provide legal advice to clients in or out of custody.
- Represent clients in specialty courts including Mental Health, Gladue, Domestic Violence, Drug Treatment, and Youth courts as required.
- When appropriate, represent clients in Crown pre-trial negotiations for purposes of resolution.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge about criminal law and practice.
- Timely file management, as per LAO requirements (this includes using computer technology, smartphones and required software).
- Data collection, including timely recording of services provided.
- Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
- Identify and communicate risks to LAO.
- Punctual attendance at court or online to perform daily duties.
- Certificate referrals and referrals to other LAO services, as required.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices amongst colleagues.
- Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned

**Required skills & experience**:

- Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and relevant case-law.
- Previous experience in criminal law and strong advocacy skills in the Ontario Court of Justice.
- Experience representing clients with complex legal issues, including representing clients for bail hearings and guilty pleas. Trial experience and experience conducting bail reviews is considered an asset.
- Client-focused with excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
- Experience working with marginalized and vulnerable clients.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to learn and adapt to new or m


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