Criminal Staff Lawyer – Duty Counsel (Brampton)

About the role

Legal Aid Ontario is seeking a Criminal Staff Lawyer to provide duty‑counsel services in the Peel Region. The role is based in Brampton and involves both in‑person and virtual appearances to support unrepresented adult and youth clients charged with criminal offences.

Key responsibilities

• Provide intake, assessment, and procedural/legal advice to unrepresented clients.
• Represent clients at bail hearings, guilty pleas, remands, and other court stages, both in‑person and remotely.
• Draft and review criminal court documents and assist colleagues in case preparation.
• Participate in judicial pre‑trials and Crown pre‑trial negotiations when appropriate.
• Represent clients in specialty courts such as Drug Treatment, Mental Health, Gladue, Domestic Violence, and Youth Courts.
• Maintain accurate file management and data entry for LAO reporting requirements.
• Facilitate referrals to support services for vulnerable clients.
• Attend stakeholder meetings and share best practices across locations.

Required profile

• Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Demonstrated experience providing criminal duty‑counsel services.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on access to justice.
• Supportive, flexible work environment with both onsite and remote options.