Staff Duty Counel - Justice Centre

at  Legal Aid Ontario

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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assisting unrepresented clients who have been charged with criminal or quasi-criminal matters both in the Justice Centre and the London Courthouse
• Represent clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas, diversions and remands
• Provide summary legal advice to clients in or out of custody
• Assist colleagues in preparation of bail hearings, guilty pleas and other forms of resolutions; preparing and assisting with bail variations
• When appropriate, represent clients in Crown Pre-Trial negotiations for purposes of resolution
• Represent clients in specialty courts including Adult Therapeutic Court, Gladue Court, and Youth Courts as required
• Work with the other community partners in the Justice Centre to provide wrap around services to the clients
• Negotiate and communicate with the Crown Attorney in the Justice Centre to obtain favourable resolutions for unrepresented clients
• Be the LAO representative with respect to the Justice Centre including attending meetings, workshops or presentations as required related to the Justice centre
• Ensure a high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• File management as per LAO requirements including use of computer technology including knowledge of peoplesoft software
• Data input for statistics measurements in a timely manner
• Punctual attendance at court to perform daily duties
• Providing assistance with legal aid applications as required
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices among court locations and staff offices

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Prior criminal law court experience at a minimum of 2 years or more
• Knowledge or 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
• Capacity to help train and mentor new staff/students
• Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario’s operations and mandate
• Prior training, advocacy experience or demonstrated interest, with respect to mental health issues, Aboriginal issues, addictions, homelessness and youth
  Ability to work in a team effectively

Ability to work independently and make effective use of resources

• Ability to communicate in French or other languages is an asset
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones;
• Commitment to social justice work
• Demonstrated experience in the Justice Centre is an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
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.
First preference will be given to current members of The Society of United Professionals.
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 have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com

EQUITY STATEMENT

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.

Please refer the Job description for details