Duty Counsel - Newmarket, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Newmarket, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

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 at the Newmarket Courthouse, as directed by LAO.

Criminal Duty Counsel is responsible for providing client service for criminal law matters in the courthouse, both virtually and in person.

Criminal Duty Counsel will be responsible for the intake and assessment of criminal law 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; and other duties as assigned.

Home location:
Newmarket

Secondary/tertiary locations:
Not applicable

Reports to:
Manager of Legal Services, Eastern District
Key accountabilities

Assisting unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal matters
Representing clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both inperson and remotely
Assessing clients' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services
Providing inperson 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 pretrial 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 knowledgesharing 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
Demonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducing bails hearings, guilty pleas, etc.
Experience conducting bail reviews is an asset
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
Proven interpersonal, 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

French is an asset.

This position is represented by the Society 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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Equity Statement

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.

Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.