Company Bio

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.

Primary function

To provide duty counsel services at the Oshawa Courthouse.

A high-volume of clients with complex and varying needs seek criminal duty counsel services, making for a demanding and challenging work environment. This position will appeal to a lawyer with experience in a broad range of criminal proceedings who can effectively navigate the demands of a agile and sometimes hectic workplace. The preferred candidate will be a self-starter with substantial criminal law experience in the private or public sector who is familiar with LAO criminal duty counsel services.

Home location: Oshawa Duty Counsel Office

Secondary Location: n/a

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

- Assisting unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal or quasi-criminal matters
- Representing clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas and remands both in-person and remotely
- Assessing clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
- Providing in-person and remote summary legal advice to clients in or out of custody
- Assisting colleagues in preparation of bail hearings,



guilty pleas and other forms of resolutions
- When appropriate, representing clients in Crown pre-trial negotiations for purposes of resolution
- Representing clients in specialty courts including Youth Courts and Drug Treatment Court as required
- Ensuring a high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
- File management as per LAO requirements including use of computer technology; data input for statistics measurements in a timely manner
- Punctual attendance at court to perform daily duties
- Providing assistance with legal aid referrals as required
- Facilitating knowledge-sharing and best practices among court locations and staff offices
- Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

Required Skills & Experience

- Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Legal knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to represent clients with sensitive legal issues including conducting bails hearings, and guilty pleas.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice or public interest work
- Sound knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, 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
- Communication, presentation and negotiation skills coupled with strong advocacy skills in the Ontario Court of Justice
- Proven judgment and analytical ability to determine appropriate legal remedies
- Knowledge and appreciation of the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
- Background/Knowledge/Awareness of the challenges faced when serving vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
- Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
- Ability to use computer based file management and data entry systems as well as Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including tablets and smartphones and ability to utilize video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually (Zoom/Teams)

Preferred Skills And Experience

- Two or more years of experience in the practice of criminal law

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 our commitment to enhance employees’ professional and personal well-being, reflecting our values of equity, inclusion, diversity and belonging.

Your health and wellness

Our Health And Wellness Program Includes

- Dental, health and life

📌 Criminal Staff Lawyer (Oshawa)
🏢 Legal Aid Ontario
📍 Oshawa