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

The SCJ Bail Specialist will focus on bringing bail reviews and prerogative relief applications for Duty Counsel matters at the Superior Court of Justice, and on assisting unrepresented individuals with Myers detention reviews where appropriate. The SCJ Bail Specialist will work closely with Duty Counsel to identify matters where a review of a detention order or unreasonable conditions is necessary, and where the client was assisted by Duty Counsel and does not have private counsel representation. The SCJ Bail Specialist will also be prepared to bring habeas corpus applications where bail hearings are delayed due scheduling and other systemic issues.
While the primary focus of this role will be on applications in the Superior Court of Justice, the SCJ Bail Specialist will also be required to provide support to Duty Counsel and assist with bail hearings. The SCJ Bail specialist may be required to conduct lengthy or complex bail hearings in the Barrie, Newmarket and Oshawa courthouses, as well as in other courthouses throughout the Central East District.

The home location of this position may be Barrie, Newmarket or Oshawa, and will be dependent on where the successful applicant resides closest to. However, it is expected that the SCJ Bail Specialist will assist with bail-related SCJ work throughout the Central East District, including Barrie, Newmarket and Oshawa, as well as with serving accused in custody at the Central North Correctional Centre and Central East Correctional Centre, and therefore travel will be a major component of this position.

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 assistance.

Home Location: Central East District
Reports to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

Conduct bail reviews, Myers reviews, habeas corpus applications and complex bail hearings as required

• Work closely with Duty Counsel 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
• 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

Required skills & experience

Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario

• 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 the Central East District (e.g. Newmarket, Oshawa; mileage will be compensated)

• Ability to use the latest communication technologies including smartphones and videoconferencing 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 anasset

• Proficiency in French is considered an 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.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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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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.