Crown Counsel – Justice and Special Prosecutions in Toronto

The Ministry of the Attorney General, Criminal Law Division is in need of one (1) permanent and one (1) temporary (12 months with possibility of extension) Counsel for the Crown Law Office - Criminal. Counsel with the Justice Prosecution Unit (JPU) and Special Prosecutions Unit (SPU) at the Crown Law Office – Criminal conduct high profile, complex trials across Ontario. Our counsel are responsible for “justice prosecutions” involving serious offences committed by people involved in the administration of justice, including police officers and lawyers. Counsel also conduct “special prosecutions” such as significant commercial crime offences, stock market manipulations, organized crime enterprises, and a wide variety of offences against the public at large, such as health frauds, telemarketing schemes and the wilful promotion of hatred.

About the job

• Conducting prosecutions in the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justice (primarily in relation to justice system participants, financial crimes and corruption offences) throughout Ontario; although many prosecutions are within the Greater Toronto Area, out of town travel will sometimes be required.
• Assisting with research, case preparation and courtroom advocacy in relation to justice system participants charged with criminal offences and financial crimes and corruption offences.
• Providing legal opinions and advice to the police, the Director of the Crown Law Office – Criminal, and other ministry officials and other government departments and agencies.
• Providing advice and education to Crown colleagues, police and other justice system stakeholders.

What you bring to the team

• Membership in good standing as a lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Thorough knowledge of criminal and constitutional law, including statute and case law regarding the prosecution of criminal and quasi-criminal offences at all levels.
• Proven research skills and analytical ability to organize a principled approach to cases and issues.
• Demonstrated writing skills and trial advocacy experience.
• Experience with large case management.
• Proven judgment and ability to apply appropriate legal analysis and determine appropriate remedies.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role and function of prosecutor.
• Integrity and demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion.

What we offer

The Ministry of the Attorney General is committed to a responsive, innovative justice system that upholds the Rule of Law. The Criminal Law Division, with approximately 2,200 staff (1,400 legal and 800 business professionals): Prosecutes offences under the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Provincial Offences Act. Conducts criminal appeals at all court levels. Provides specialized services (e.g., wiretaps, extraditions, search warrants). Advises police and government officials on criminal law. Sets prosecution policy across Ontario. Develops justice system efficiencies with stakeholders. Offers world-class education for prosecutors.

This role comes with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes: a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement), group health, dental, life and disability benefits, a range of vacation and leave options, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services.