J0926-0594

Njoyn; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & life insurance

AD&D Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Paid time off & holidays

Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)

Job summary

Legal Aid Ontario seeks a Toronto Regional Bail Centre Bail Liaison with substantial criminal law experience, especially bail proceedings. You will support duty counsel services, coordinate with staff and partners, and drive operational improvements to enhance client service and court efficiency.

The role requires strong relationship-management skills, a track record of resolving complex issues in a busy court setting, and a commitment to access to justice. Fluency in French is an asset.

Qualifications

• Significant criminal law experience with bail proceedings expertise.
• Experience conducting Crown pre-trials and negotiating resolutions.
• Strong understanding of provincial and local bail practices and developments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to identify operational issues and develop practical solutions in a high-volume setting.
• Excellent organizational skills with multitasking ability.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in time-sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal services in a cost-effective manner.
• Conduct Crown pre-trials for resolution at the TRBC.
• Prepare guilty pleas for TRBC clients.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to clients in custody.
• Support bail-related initiatives and compliance with directives.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on bail-related pilots and initiatives.
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to optimize triage court operations.
• Liaise with community service providers and court partners to assist clients.
• Identify systemic issues affecting client service and propose practical solutions.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and best practices on bail processes and projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law and bail directives.

Skills

Criminal law

Bail proceedings

Crown pre-trials

Stakeholder relations

Organizational skills

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Job description

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.

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

The Toronto Regional Bail Centre (TRBC) Bail Liaison is a specialized duty counsel position based exclusively at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre. The successful candidate will support the effective operation of duty counsel services through bail and resolution work, stakeholder collaboration, and the implementation of operational initiatives designed to improve client service and court efficiency.
This position will appeal to a lawyer with substantial criminal law experience, strong relationship-management skills, and a demonstrated ability to identify operational issues in a dynamic court environment. The successful candidate will work closely with duty counsel staff, ready to go coordinators, management, court partners, and community service providers to support innovative approaches to criminal case management and client service delivery.
Home location: Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West
Secondary Location: N/A
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Provide high-quality legal services in a cost-effective manner.
• Conduct Crown pre-trials for the purpose of resolution at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.
• Prepare guilty pleas for TRBC clients.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to clients in custody.
• Support implementation and compliance with bail-related initiatives, including the Enhanced Surety Declaration process, Written Consent Release Pilot, Bail Directive requirements, and other operational projects.
• Assist staff and management with monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on bail-related pilots and operational initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with duty counsel staff, ready to go coordinators, managers, and court stakeholders to identify and resolve issues affecting TRBC triage court operations and Ready to Go lists.
• Liaise with community service providers, court partners, crown attorneys, court administration, detention centre staff, and other stakeholders to facilitate client service and access to appropriate supports.
• Assist in identifying systemic issues affecting client service, bail processing, and court operations and recommend practical solutions.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and promote best practices among colleagues with respect to bail processes, operational initiatives, and pilot projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, bail law, court practices, and relevant operational directives.
• Timely file management, as per LAO requirements, including the use of computer technology, smartphones, and required software.
• Data collection, reporting, and timely recording of services provided.
• Identify and communicate operational risks and emerging issues to management.
• Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Required skills & experience

• Significant criminal law experience, with demonstrated expertise in bail proceedings and criminal case resolution.
• Experience conducting Crown pre-trials and negotiating resolutions.
• Strong understanding of provincial and local bail practices, procedures, and current legal developments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational issues and develop practical solutions in a high-volume environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly when dealing with complex or time-sensitive situations.
• Well-developed interview skills and the ability to identify vulnerable clients and facilitate appropriate referrals.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family, housing, and other poverty law issues faced by LAO clients.
• Knowledge of LAO's operations, mandate, and duty counsel service model.
• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and social justice principles.
• French language, or other language skills, are 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).

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), an independent but publicly funded and publicly accountable non-profit corporation. None of this material may be commercially reproduced, but copying for other purposes, with credit, is encouraged.