Union:

The Society

Job Number: J0826-0012

Job Title: Institutional Duty Counsel (12 months)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration (months): 12

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Classification: SL

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: August 10, 2026

Closing Date: August 21, 2026

Salary: $95,678.79 - $163,502.20 /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 chance 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

This role is responsible for providing services to clients at the Toronto South Detention Centre in Toronto. The Institutional Duty Counsel will work in conjunction with duty counsel at court as part of a team to ensure that remote court appearances are meaningful, effective, and do not lead to a diminished expectation of reasonable bail or resolution for accused persons.



The successful candidate will also provide virtual criminal duty counsel services for the TSDC and the Toronto Courts.

Home Location: Toronto South Detention Centre (160 Horner Ave)
Secondary Locations: Toronto East Detention Centre (55 Civic Rd)

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

- Reviewing and updating bail worksheets, DC notes, and other file materials prepared by DC at court
- Liaising between the client and DC at court
- Preparing the client for bail hearings and/or guilty pleas
- Calling potential sureties, interviewing them for suitability, and arranging for their attendance in court if necessary
- Making referrals to appropriate organizations for bail or in preparation of a guilty plea
- Reviewing disclosure and providing summary legal advice to clients
- Assisting clients in filling out forms (e.g. for video bail or for organizational supports)
- Assisting with Legal Aid Applications
- Providing general advice on legal aid processes such as certificate appeals
- Negotiating with the Crown Bail Vettor with regards to a bail plan or resolution
- Engaging with both local and non-local stakeholders in ongoing conversation around developing the role of duty counsel assisting from institutions (e.g. facilitate and/or attend regular stakeholder meetings on how to improve remand and bail times locally)
- Liaising with detention centre staff to facilitate client service
- File management
- Other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

- Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Demonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducting bail hearings and guilty pleas
- Experience conducting bail reviews is an asset
- Experience assessing 'fitness to stand trial' in the criminal context
- Experience advising clients on the mental health provisions of the Criminal Code
- Experience representing clients on Fitness Hearings and Treatment Order applications
- Willingness to conduct 'fitness to stand trial' assessments and conduct Fitness Hearings and Treatment Order applications from the institution
- 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
- Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
- Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies
- Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly when encountering stressful situations
- Well-developed interview skills including a proven ability to identify vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made
- Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures
- Proven ability to document client files including advice to clients and instructions
- Significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies, and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually
- Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of computer information databases such as PeopleSoft

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

This position is collectively represented by the The Society of United Professionals and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-(phone hidden) or email support: [email protected]

📌 Institutional Duty Counsel (12 months) (Toronto)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Toronto