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 prospect 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 functionThis role is responsible for providing services to clients at the Toronto East 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 TEDC and the Toronto Courts.Home Location: Toronto East Detention Centre (55 Civic Rd)Secondary Locations: Toronto South Detention Centre (160 Horner Ave), 10 Armoury Street, 2201 Finch Avenue West, and any other locations where Duty Counsel services are provided.Reporting to: Manager, Legal ServicesKey accountabilitiesReviewing and updating bail worksheets, DC notes,



and other file materials prepared by DCat courtLiaising between the client and DC at courtPreparing the client for bail hearings and/or guilty pleasCalling potential sureties, interviewing them for suitability, and arranging for their attendance in court if necessaryMaking referrals to appropriate organizations for bail or in preparation of a guilty pleaReviewing disclosure and providing summary legal advice to clientsAssisting clients in filling out forms (e.G. for video bail or for organizational supports)Assisting with Legal Aid ApplicationsProviding general advice on legal aid processes such as certificate appealsNegotiating with the Crown Bail Vettor with regards to a bail plan or resolutionEngaging 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 serviceFile managementOther duties as assignedRequired skills & experienceLawyer in good standing with the Law Society of OntarioDemonstrated experience in representing clients with complex legal issues including conducting bail hearings and guilty pleasExperience conducting bail reviews is an assetExperience assessing 'fitness to stand trial' in the criminal contextExperience advising clients on the mental health provisions of the Criminal CodeExperience representing clients on Fitness Hearings and Treatment Order applicationsWillingness to conduct 'fitness to stand trial' assessments and conduct Fitness Hearings and Treatment Order applications from the institutionSound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence,



and case lawPractical understanding of the Rules of Professional ConductAbility to work independently and unsupervised in a fast‐paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholdersProven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remediesDemonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsProven ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly when encountering stressful situationsWell-developed interview skills including a proven ability to identify vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be madeProven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and proceduresProven ability to document client files including advice to clients and instructionsSignificant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies, and proceduresDemonstrated ability to use the 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, and PowerPointFamiliarity and competence with proper maintenance of computer information data bases such as PeopleSoftWhat 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).Employment AgreementThis 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. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.Are you interested in this job?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.

📌 -0591 (Toronto)
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📍 Toronto