Senior Counsel Bail Specialist

The Criminal Senior Counsel Bail Specialist will focus on bringing bail reviews and prerogative relief applications identified by Duty Counsel at the Superior Court of Justice, and on assisting unrepresented individuals with Myers detention reviews where appropriate. The Criminal Senior Counsel Bail Specialist will work closely with Duty Counsel to identify matters where a review of a detention order or release conditions is necessary, and the individual does not have private counsel representation for the review. The Criminal Senior Counsel Bail Specialist will also be prepared to bring habeas corpus applications where bail hearings are delayed due to scheduling and other systemic issues.

While the primary focus of this role will be on applications in the Superior Court of Justice, the Criminal Senior Counsel Bail Specialist may also be required to provide support to Duty Counsel dealing with exceptionally lengthy or complex bail hearings and scheduled Special Bail Hearings, and will also mentor and coach Duty Counsel in specialized or complex bail proceedings throughout the District.

As a member of the Criminal Senior Counsel Program, the Bail Specialist may also carry a small caseload of trial matters as needed to support their work, and will perform other tasks within the mandate of the Criminal Senior Counsel Program as required.

This role will complement LAO's existing mixed model of private bar and Duty Counsel services by ensuring that clients who do not have private bar representation but require a bail-related application to the Superior Court receive timely representation.

Home Location: East District

Reports to: Manager of Legal Services, Criminal Senior Counsel Program, with a close relationship to the Manager of Legal Services, East District

• Conduct bail reviews, Myers reviews, habeas corpus applications and complex bail hearings as required
• Work closely with Duty Counsel and others to identify appropriate matters and ensure applications are brought expeditiously
• Meet with clients to provide timely, clear and concise professional advice with a focus on bail issues
• Perform legal research as needed to address bail-related issues
• Draft legal documents in an efficient manner
• Provide mentorship and training on bail reviews, prerogative relief applications and other complex bail-related matters to LAO staff and others, as applicable
• Provide training and direction to LAWs and junior lawyers as required
• Work in conjunction with existing LAO staff lawyers, paralegals and Legal Aid Workers (LAWs)
• Maintain currency of legal knowledge in criminal law
• Perform all administrative duties relating to file management and data collection
• Maintain currency and compliance with LAO training, policies and procedures

• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• At least 7 years experience practicing criminal law
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian criminal law and procedure (e.g. Criminal Code of Canada, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act), the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other relevant legislation
• Significant experience with contested bail hearings, including "special" bail hearings
• Experience serving low income Ontarians, Indigenous and racialized clients, and clients with mental health issues
• Ability to work with others in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently
• Collegial and team-oriented attitude with the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams as required
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication and advocacy skills including the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse clientele
• Understanding of LAO's role, mandate and services
• Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel within Ontario (mileage will be compensated)
• Ability to use the latest communication technologies including smartphones and video conferencing platforms in order to deliver services virtually
• Proficiency in using computer-based file management and data entry systems such as PeopleSoft/Service Integration, Legal Files, as well as Microsoft Office
• Experience representing clients before the Superior Court of Justice will be considered an asset
• Oral and written fluency in French is considered a strong asset
• Ability to provide legal services in a language other than French or English will be considered an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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.

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Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.