Address
Form of workThis position is accountable to the Director General, Eastern District, and will manage employees, and per diems, oversee criminal and institutional duty counsel services, implement new services and processes, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, manage budgets, and support the Director General with strategic analysis.
Home Location: Ottawa Criminal Duty Counsel Office
Secondary/Other Location(s): Not applicable
• Manage staff lawyers, Legal Aid Workers, articling students, law students, paralegals and other LAO court staff and contracts.
• Manage criminal per diem roster, including training/onboarding, performance, approving accounts and services, and tracking quality assurance measures.
• Manage staff in a unionized environment, including HR responsibilities, such as performance reviews and performance management.
• Oversee the administration and operations of court-based criminal duty counsel services, institutional duty counsel services, having regard to LAO policies, legal mandate and business plan.
• Change management, including identifying and implementing service improvements.
• Train and mentor staff and manage development needs and goals, ensuring compliance with internal training and LSO CPD requirements.
• Provide input and expertise regarding criminal and institutional duty counsel services and policies when requested by LAO.
• Assist with stakeholder relations, including by acting as liaison between LAO, the Judiciary, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the private bar. This may involve sitting on the Criminal Bench and Bar and other courthouse committees and consultation groups, as and when needed.
• Act as delegate of the Director when required at meetings and conferences.
• Prepare budgets and approve staff and office expenses.
• Draft documents, briefing notes, and reports, as and when needed.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned
• Travel may be required.
• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Criminal Law and practice
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020, Legal Aid Services Rules, and a strong understanding of LAO as a public service agency.
• Experience training and managing lawyers or other professionals, with experience managing in a unionized environment being an asset.
• Experience working with justice system stakeholders
• Experience coaching and developing others is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• Awareness of the challenges faced when serving vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, First Nations, youth and those experiencing mental health or addiction challenges and/or homelessness.
• Excellent oral advocacy, research, and writing skills.
• Intermediate level skills in Microsoft Word, Adobe, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, and other computer office applications.
• The ability to communicate in both French and English is preferred.
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
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.
