Duty Counsel, Criminal - Thunder Bay, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Thunder Bay, 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 in Thunder Bay and throughout the North District. This role may require travel throughout the district on occasion.

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:
Thunder Bay

Other Locations:
Satellite Courts - Nipigon, Armstrong, Schreiber, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Geraldton, Longlac as needed

Reports to:
Manager, Legal Services - North District

Key accountabilities

Act as Criminal Duty Counsel
Representing clients both inperson and remotely
Ensure 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
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.
Provide criminal law services as defense counsel in the Ontario Court of Justice
Providing assistance and representation at federal, provincial, and youth, remand, bail and plea courts, including specialty courts (Drug Treatment Court / Mental Health Court / Gladue Court)
Providing summary legal advice (SLA)
Interviewing clients, sureties, and witnesses
Disclosure review and Crown pretrials meetings
Assisting with various motions and hearings (may include trials), including judicial pretrials
Preparing and arguing bail hearings
Other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

Member 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 conducing 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
Demonstrated experience in providing criminal law services including experience with complex legal issues and bails hearings, guilty pleas, remands and youth court.
Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 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
Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies and demonstrated research skills
Knowledge and appreciation of impact of court proceedings on immigration, criminal, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
Background/Knowledge/Awareness of the challenges faced when serving vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges or victims of domestic violence and/or homelessness
Ability to communicate with accuracy and fluency when speaking with clients and providing advice, as well as when representing clients in court.
Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a busy environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
Ability to work as a team with other Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, and per diem Duty Counsel
Sound knowledge and understanding of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate
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)
Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.