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 dynamic 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 Qualified 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 insurance

Short-Term Disability and accidental dea

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