Overview
Duty Counsel, Criminal and Family Jobs in Sarnia, Canada at Legal Aid Ontario
Position: Duty Counsel, Criminal and Family (24 months)
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Union:
The Society Job Number: J
Job Title:
Duty Counsel, Criminal and Family (24 months) Job Type: Contract Contract Duration (months): 24 City, Province, Country:
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Job Location:
Sarnis Job Category:
Legal Classification: SL Open Positions: 1 Posting Date:
July 15, 2026 Closing Date:
July 29, 2026 Salary: $95,678.79 – $ /Year
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.
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 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 2
SLGBTQ+ 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 ase direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.
Primary function
This Duty Counsel position will provide direct client service to eligible individuals with criminal and family law matters, virtually and in-person. Should a successful candidate lack experience in one area of law, training will be provided with the objective of becoming a strong practitioner in both criminal and family law.
Criminal Duty Counsel are responsible for intake and assessment of criminal law clients to determine the appropriate service for those charged with criminal offences, including but not limited to providing legal advice, in-court representation, drafting and reviewing court documents, and other duties as assigned.
Family Duty Counsel are responsible for intake and assessment of family and child protection law clients to determine the appropriate service, including but not limited to providing legal advice, in-court representation, drafting, reviewing and commissioning court documents and pleadings, and other duties as assigned.
Home
Location:
Sarnia Duty Counsel Office, Sarnia Courthouse
Secondary locations:
Walpole Island Satellite Court
Reports to:
Manager of Legal Services
Key accountabilities
• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria
• Ensure high quality of legal work in a cost effective manner
• Triage and interview clients to assess legal issues and client needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate service and facilitate referrals, as needed
• Assist with training and onboarding per diems and colleagues, including other staff lawyers, paralegals, students, and Legal Aid Workers (LAWs)
• File management and record keeping, including timely creation and maintenance of client files and conflict lists
• Prepare reports and submit duty counsel accounts/dockets, as required, in accordance with LAO policy
• Participate in working groups, pilots and LAO initiatives
• Stakeholder engagement and public legal education
• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned
Criminal
• Assist eligible…
Title: Duty Counsel, Criminal and Family
Company: Legal Aid Ontario
Location: Sarnia, Canada
Category:
