Criminal Staff Lawyer

Legal Aid Ontario; Newmarket; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Public Service Pension Plan

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking a Duty Counsel lawyer to provide direct legal services at the Newmarket courthouse. The role requires strong advocacy in criminal matters and a commitment to serving vulnerable clients.

Reporting to the Manager, Legal Services, you will work collaboratively in a supportive team, manage complex cases, and mentor junior staff. Equity, diversity and inclusion guide our everyday work.

Qualifications

• Significant criminal law court experience.
• Interview skills to identify vulnerable clients for appropriate service and referrals.
• Proven ability to document client files including advice and instructions.
• Prior exposure to mental health, Indigenous issues, addictions, homelessness or youth issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide Duty Counsel services at Newmarket courthouse.
• Represent clients in criminal matters with strong advocacy.
• Work with the Manager, Legal Services and team in a fast-paced environment.
• Mentor and support new staff/students as needed.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Law licence in Ontario

Tools

PeopleSoft

LAO Online

Microsoft 365

Teams

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Zoom

Job 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 Duty Counsel services at Newmarket courthouse.

Primary Location: Newmarket

Secondary Location: Not applicable

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• 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 case-law.
• 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 bail hearings and guilty pleas. Trial experience and experience conducting bail reviews is considered an asset.
• Client-focused with excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Experience working with marginalized and vulnerable clients.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to work in a large team setting, relate to other staff and manage through conflict.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Capability with LAO programs including the Duty Counsel Worksheet (Service Integration), PeopleSoft and Legal Aid Online.
• Capability with Microsoft 365 programs (Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and other computer-based programs such as Zoom, JVN and Skype

Required Skills & Experience

• Significant criminal law court experience.
• Well-developed interview skills including a proven ability to identify vulnerable clients in order to provide appropriate service and referrals.
• Proven ability to document client files including advice to clients and instructions.
• Prior training, advocacy experience or demonstrated interest in mental health, Indigenous issues, addictions, homelessness and youth issues.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment particularly when dealing with stressful situations.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients.
• Capacity to help train and mentor new staff/students.
• Knowledge of LAO’s operations and mandate.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
• French language, or other language skills is considered an asset

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.

• We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD).
• Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.
• Employees are eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

This position is represented by The Society of United Professionals 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.

First Preference will be given to current members of the Society of United Professionals.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

Equity Statement

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.