Duty Counsel - Toronto, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Union:
The Society

Job Number: J
Job Title: Duty Counsel
Criminal
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
Job Category: Legal
Role Designation:

LAO Workplace Based

Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace
Open Positions:
Posting Date: April 17, 202
Closing Date: May 1, 202
Salary: $90, $154,117.41/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 duty counsel services, remotely and in-person, at the Toronto Courthouse, Toronto Regional Bail Centre or the Toronto South Detention Centre.

The individual selected for this position will rotate between these locations and any other locations in the City of Toronto where criminal duty counsel services are provided.

Home location:
Ontario Court of Justice - Toronto, 10 Armoury Street

Secondary/Tertiary locations can include:

the Toronto Regional Bail Centre at 2201 Finch Avenue West and the Toronto South Detention Centre at 160 Horner Avenue.

Reporting to:
Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities:

Provide high quality legal services in a cost effective manner.
Represent clients for bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both inperson 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 pretrial negotiations for purposes of resolution.
Maintain uptodate 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 knowledgesharing 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 caselaw.
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