Union:

The Society

Job Number: J0926-0594

Job Title: Bail Coordinator/Duty Counsel

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Legal

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: October 1, 2026

Closing Date: October 14, 2026

Salary: $95,678.79 - $163,502.20 /Year

Primary function

The Toronto Regional Bail Centre (TRBC) Bail Liaison is a specialized duty counsel position based exclusively at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre. The successful candidate will support the effective operation of duty counsel services through bail and resolution work, stakeholder collaboration, and the implementation of operational initiatives designed to improve client service and court efficiency.

This position will appeal to a lawyer with substantial criminal law experience, strong relationship-management skills, and a demonstrated ability to identify operational issues in a dynamic court environment. The successful candidate will work closely with duty counsel staff, ready to go coordinators, management, court partners, and community service providers to support innovative approaches to criminal case management and client service delivery.

Home location: Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West
Secondary Location: N/A

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities
• Provide high-quality legal services in a cost-effective manner.
• Conduct Crown pre-trials for the purpose of resolution at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre.
• Prepare guilty pleas for TRBC clients.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to clients in custody.
• Support implementation and compliance with bail-related initiatives, including the Enhanced Surety Declaration process, Written Consent Release Pilot, Bail Directive requirements, and other operational projects.
• Assist staff and management with monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on bail-related pilots and operational initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with duty counsel staff, ready to go coordinators, managers, and court stakeholders to identify and resolve issues affecting TRBC triage court operations and Ready to Go lists.
• Liaise with community service providers, court partners, crown attorneys, court administration, detention centre staff, and other stakeholders to facilitate client service and access to appropriate supports.
• Assist in identifying systemic issues affecting client service, bail processing, and court operations and recommend practical solutions.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and promote best practices among colleagues with respect to bail processes, operational initiatives, and pilot projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, bail law, court practices, and relevant operational directives.
• Timely file management, as per LAO requirements, including the use of computer technology, smartphones, and required software.
• Data collection, reporting, and timely recording of services provided.
• Identify and communicate operational risks and emerging issues to management.
• Remain adaptable and flexible in a changing environment.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Required skills & experience
• Significant criminal law experience, with demonstrated expertise in bail proceedings and criminal case resolution.
• Experience conducting Crown pre-trials and negotiating resolutions.
• Strong understanding of provincial and local bail practices, procedures, and current legal developments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational issues and develop practical solutions in a high-volume environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly when dealing with complex or time-sensitive situations.
• Well-developed interview skills and the ability to identify vulnerable clients and facilitate appropriate referrals.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the impact of criminal proceedings on immigration, family, housing, and other poverty law issues faced by LAO clients.
• Knowledge of LAO's operations, mandate, and duty counsel service model.
• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice and social justice principles.
• French language, or other language skills, are considered an asset.

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, and Short-Term Disability (STD).

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy, including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days, and statutory holidays.

Employees are eligible to be enrolled to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB).

How to apply:

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.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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.
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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: [email protected].

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