Duty Counsel, Criminal and Family

This Duty Counsel position will provide duty counsel services in Renfrew County at the Pembroke Courthouse. The position will provide the candidate the opportunity to spend the majority of their focus on the responsibilities of either a Criminal Duty Counsel lawyer OR Family Duty Counsel lawyer.

There will be the expectation that the successful individual will be open to receiving training in the area of law they lack experience in with the objective of eventually becoming a strong practitioner in both Criminal and Family law.

At LAO our Criminal Duty Counsel are responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented adult and youth clients to determine the appropriate service for those charged with criminal offences, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing criminal court documents; and in-court representation at various stages of criminal court proceedings.

Our LAO Family Duty Counsel are responsible for the intake and assessment of unrepresented family law clients to determine the appropriate service, including but not limited to providing procedural and summary legal advice; drafting and reviewing family court documents and pleadings; and in-court representation at various stages of a family court and/or child protection proceedings.

Legal Aid Ontario is open to providing relocation expenses to the successful candidate to assist with there move to Pembroke or surrounding area.

Home Position: Pembroke

Secondary/Tertiary locations can include: Renfrew and Killaloe satellite courts should they reopen in future.

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

• Act as a Criminal and Family Staff Lawyer, providing services both in-person and remotely
• Provide criminal law duty counsel services and representation in the Ontario Court of Justice, including advice, negotiations, consent releases, bail hearings, resolutions, and other services as required
• Provide family law duty counsel services and representation in the Superior Court of Justice, Unified Family Court (UFC), including advice, document preparation, negotiations, first appearances, case conferences, motions, and other services as required
• Assist unrepresented clients with Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters
• Provide advice lawyer services at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) as required
• Work in an inter-professional team, providing instructions and mentorship to Legal Aid Workers (LAWs)
and Students
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Maintain client files and conflict lists
• Record data and produce reports as required within established reporting times
• Provide assistance with legal aid referrals as required
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned and remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Understand and knowledge of relevant criminal law legislation
• Understanding of relevant family law legislation, child protection law, etc.
• Practical understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct
• Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills
• Client-focused
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while also demonstrating collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and stakeholders
• Sound judgment and problem solving skills
• Personal motivation and accountability
• Intermediate knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies, including Smartphones, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, iPad and iPhones
• Ability to research and retrieve information

Preferred Skills & Experiences
• Sound Knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's operations and mandate
• Prior family, CYFSA and criminal law court experience is an asset but not necessary
• Demonstrated experience providing excellent client service to vulnerable populations such as youth, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness
• Demonstrated interest in Indigenous legal issues
• Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues
• Experience with Service Integration and Divorcemate
• Own transportation
• Fluency in languages other than 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. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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