Duty Counsel- Criminal - Brampton, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Brampton, 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: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Brampton
Job Category: Legal
Job Classification: SL
Role Designation:

LAO Workplace Based

Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace
Open Positions:
Posting Date: April 11, 202
Closing Date: April 25, 2023
Salary: $83, $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 in Brampton.

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 Position:
Brampton

Secondary/Tertiary locations can include:
Not Applicable.

May be required to appear remotely in other Duty Counsel Offices across the Central West or other jurisdictions should the need arise.

Reports to:
Manager of Criminal Duty Counsel Services

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
Assisting in Judicial Pre Trials
When appropriate, representing clients in Crown pretrial negotiations for purposes of resolution
Representing clients in specialty courts that can include Drug Treatment Court, 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 conducting bails hearings, and guilty pleas.
Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and related 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 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
Proven experience in providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as youth, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fastpaced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
Demonstrated proficiency in using computer based file management and data entry systems such as PeopleSoft, DCSW, etc as well as Microsoft Office
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)

Preferred Skills- Bilingual French fluency is preferred