Duty Counsel - Barrie, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Barrie, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Union:
The Society

Job Number: J
Job Title: Duty Counsel
Criminal (12 months)
Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 12 months

City, Province, Country: Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Barrie
Job Category: Legal
Role Designation:

LAO Workplace Based

Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace
Open Positions:
Posting Date: August 4, 202
Closing Date: August 18, 202
Salary: $83, $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 Simcoe/Muskoka and throughout the Central East 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 Position:
Barrie

Secondary/Tertiary locations can include:
Central District Satellite Courts - Collingwood, Midland, Orillia, Bracebridge and Huntsville area as needed.

Reports to:
Manager of Legal Services, Central 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, and guilty pleas
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
Communication, presentation and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skills in the Ontario Court of Justice
Proven judgm