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.

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 TEDC and the Toronto Courts.

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services Reviewing and updating bail worksheets, DC notes, and other file materials prepared by DCat court 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 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) 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 Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence,



and case law Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures 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 data bases such as PeopleSoft At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive perks 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.

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

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. #

📌 Institutional Duty Counsel (Toronto)
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