Union: The Society Job Number: J0526-0032 Job Title: Duty Counsel, Criminal (12 months) Job Type: Contract Contract Duration (months): 12 City, Province, Country: Brantford, Ontario, Canada Job Location: Brantford Job Category: Legal Job Level: SL Open Positions: 1 Posting Date: May 9, 2026 Closing Date: May 24, 2026 Salary: $95,678.79 - $163,502.20 /YearLegal Aid Ontario is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from equity‑seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, racialized, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.Primary functionThis Duty Counsel will provide criminal duty counsel services in the Tri‑Counties region (Brantford, Simcoe and Cayuga). The role may require travel throughout the district on occasion. Applicants with readily available transportation or ability to rent a vehicle are preferred.Primary Location: BrantfordSecondary Location: Simcoe and CayugaReporting to: Manager, Legal ServicesKey accountabilitiesAct as Criminal Duty CounselAssessing clients’ needs, including early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services including providing assistance with certificate referrals as required.Representing clients both in‑person and remotelyAssist clients with the preparation of documentsRepresenting clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas, and remands both in person and remotelyRepresenting clients in specialty courts including, but not limited to, Indigenous Persons’ Court and Domestic Violence CourtProviding summary legal adviceInterviewing clients and suretiesDisclosure review and conducting Crown pre‑trials and resolution focused judicial pre‑trialsPreparing and arguing bail hearingsEnsure high quality of legal work in a cost‑effective mannerFile management as per LAO requirements including use of computer technology; data input for statistics measurements in a timely mannerAssist with training and onboarding per diems and colleagues,



including other staff lawyers, paralegals, and Legal Aid Workers (LAWs)Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assignedRemain adaptable and flexible in a changing environmentIdentify and communicate risks to LAOPunctual attendance at court or online to perform daily dutiesRequired skills & experienceLawyer in good standing with the Law Society of OntarioDemonstrated experience in providing criminal law services including experience with complex legal issues and bail hearings, guilty pleas, remands and youth courtSound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and case lawPractical understanding of the Rules of Professional ConductProven interpersonal, communication, presentation and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skillsProven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remediesKnowledge and appreciation of impact of court proceedings on immigration, criminal, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clientsProven experience in providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessnessAbility to work independently and unsupervised in a fast‑paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholdersAbility to work as a team with other Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers,



and per diem Duty CounselSound knowledge and understanding of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandateDemonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtuallyMust have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel, PowerPointAbility and willingness to travel between Tri‑Counties court locationsWhat 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 our commitment to enhance employees’ professional and personal well‑being, reflecting our values of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging.Your health and wellnessOur health and wellness program includes:Dental, health and life insuranceShort‑term Disability and accidental death & dismemberment insurancePermanent employees are eligible for long‑term disability insuranceAn employee assistance program (EAP) that offers skilled, confidential counselling services to employees and members of their immediate families. The EAP operates programs that address common life issues such as childcare, smoking, financial difficulty, and moreLegal Aid Ontario offers a Health Spending Account (HSA) which is an allotment of funds provided by LAO for health and dental expenses, above what the regular plan providesYour work‑life balanceEmployees enjoy generous paid time‑off including:17 vacation days at hireSick daysDiscretionary daysThree paid days for religious or cultural observancesStatutory holidays and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Easter MondayYour careerInformal Employee Networks for staff with shared identities to connect, support each other and build professional networksLaw Society of Ontario (LSO) accredited training to support learning and professional development for all employeesEDIB‑focused trainingMentorship programs, including an Indigenous‑focused mentorship programYour futureEmployees are eligible to enrol in the defined benefit Public Service Pension Plan which provides financial security during retirement.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Duty Counsel, Criminal (12 Months) - C$95,678.8 - C$163,502.2 A Year (Winnipeg)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Winnipeg