Job Description

Union: The Society

Job Number: J0523-1140

Job Title: Bilingual Criminal and Institutional Duty Counsel (18 months)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 18 months

City, Province, Country: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Ottawa

Job Category: Legal

Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: July 28, 2023

Closing Date: August 18, 2023

Salary: $83,343.00 - $142,422.00/Year

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.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.

Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or M\xc3\xa9tis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.

Primary function

To act as a Criminal Duty and assist unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal offences in the Ontario Court of Justice. Assistance may be provided at both the Ottawa Courthouse and the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre.

Home Location: Ottawa Courthouse
Secondary/Tertiary location: Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre

Reports to: Manager, Criminal Legal Services - Ottawa

Key accountabilities

• Represent clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas/sentencing hearings, and case management court
• Represent clients in specialty courts including Adult and Youth Mental Health Court, Indigenous Peoples Court, Drug Treatment Court, as required
• Conduct counsel/judicial pre-trials meetings
• Provide summary legal advice to clients in or out of custody
• Assess clients\' needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to provide referrals to appropriate internal and external services
• Review disclosure and provide case specific advice to eligible individuals
• Interview clients, sureties, and witnesses
• File management as per LAO requirements including use of computer technology; data input for statistics measurements in a timely manner
• Punctual attendance at court and meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders to improve and facilitate client service
• Complete or facilitate Legal Aid Applications, as needed
• Provide general advice on legal aid processes, such as certificate appeals
• Mentor and train students and new staff
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.

Required skills & experience

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• A Vulnerable Sector Check will be required for the successful candidate to work at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Center (OCDC). Ability and willingness to travel between the Ottawa Courthouse and OCDC
• Demonstrated experience representing clients with complex legal issues including, but not limited to, conducing bails hearings and sentencing hearings.
• Sound knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, criminal law procedures, rules of evidence and relevant case law
• An interest and/or experience in specialty courts, such as mental health court and Indigenous Peoples Court
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to work well in a team environment, demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment particularly when encountering challenging situations
• knowledge and appreciation of impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family and other poverty law issues; and the integrated nature of legal issues faced by LAO clients
• Proven experience in providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness, is an asset
• Proven ability to document client files including advice to clients and instructions
• Knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including laptops, iPads and Smartphones
• Intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to represent clients in both English and French is required (candidates will be tested on their level of French Language skills).

First Preference will be given to current Lawyer applicants who are on the LAO redeployment list.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

This position is collectively represented by the Society of United Professionals (SUP) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues once negotiated.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.

Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply. Once you apply you will receive a confirmation email that you have successfully applied.

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