Prosecutor/Legal Services Officer

Metrolinx•Canada,

3d•CA$93,798 - CA$127,484•Onsite

About The Position

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team. Our Compliance & Prosecution Services Office is seeking a Prosecutor, Legal Services Officer, to administer daily processing of Provincial Offences and Administrative Fees Program Notices and other relevant documentation and provide legal representation for Metrolinx in proceedings (e.g. provincial offences court, alternative dispute resolution hearings, and small claims court proceedings).

Requirements

Completion of a diploma in the Court & Tribunal Agent program, Paralegal Studies Program or a related discipline – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
Minimum four (4) years’ experience in prosecuting or equivalent work experience in, a law office, paralegal firm, or administrative tribunals with a solid background in administrative and courtroom practices and procedures.
Must be licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to provide legal services as a Paralegal (P1 license) and the license must be in good standing.
A valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license that meets the corporate standard for a good driving record is required.
The ability to obtain the GO Transit Operator’s Permit is required.
The ability to pass an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) security clearance check is required.
Knowledge of the Integrated Courts Offender Network (ICON) would be an asset.
Knowledge and experience in the application of the Provincial Offences Act, Trespass to Property Act, Highway Traffic Act, Liquor License and Control Act court room procedures, rules of evidence, Charter of Rights & Freedoms, related statutes and regulations, and other applicable regulations.
Knowledge of investigation techniques employed by law enforcement personnel and analytical skills to determine legal arguments.
Organizational skills to coordinate court activities.
MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Interpersonal, public relations, negotiation, conflict resolution, oral/written/presentation communication, tact, diplomacy, and persuasiveness to professionally conduct prosecutions, present legal arguments, cross-examine defendants, and deal effectively with members of the legal profession and the judiciary.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Integrated Courts Offender Network (ICON) would be an asset.

Responsibilities

Conducts prosecutions in the Ontario Court of Justice of various provincial statutes and by-laws including the Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act, select Highway Traffic Act offences, and the Metrolinx Act (and associated by-laws).
Conducts charge screening of provincial offence cases (Part I, Part II and Part III matters) to determine the prospect of conviction, tenders evidence, examines and cross-examines witnesses, presents oral and written arguments, summarizes evidence and makes submissions regarding recommendations for judgment and sentence.
Conducts formal and informal resolution meetings with patrons in relation to charges laid under provincial legislation and/or Metrolinx by-laws.
Manages and processes disclosure requests.
The Prosecutor must act with objectivity, independence and fairness in each case to ensure timely and principled decision making based on the circumstances of the defendant and the alleged offence and an appropriate use of legal principles.
Liaises with court administration and communicates with defense legal representation in regard to provincial offence court proceedings or the Administrative Fees Program.
Maintains and updates electronic files to maintain the accuracy of trial dates and dispositions; issues monthly reports on court results and court fine revenue, and advises Officers of court schedules and attendances.
Prepares Statements of Claim and Defences (e.g. related correspondence, forms, documents) and recovers damages owed by third parties within the Small Claims Court jurisdiction and responds to Statements of Claim or Letters of Demand issued pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure within the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court.
Acts as a Commissioner of Oaths to validate oaths, documents, and taking affidavits.
Processes Notices of Bankruptcy or Notice of Consumer Proposals and communicates with Trustees in Bankruptcy to determine recovery of debt owed to Metrolinx.
Attends various court jurisdictions to prosecute and file court documents.
Participates on committees, working groups, and special projects, as assigned.
Assists as a Board-appointed Screening Officer pursuant to the provisions of the Metrolinx Act, and the Administrative Fees regulation within applicable Acts and Bylaws.
Provides court support to employees of Metrolinx who have become victims or witnesses in on-duty work related incident to navigate the court system.
Attends proceedings before other agencies or boards as it relates to the Administrative Fees Program and/or the Court Advocate Program.
Liaises with each court jurisdiction’s Crown Attorney and Police Services to identify needs to be addressed in Crown Briefs and or as it relates to Metrolinx’s Court Advocate Program.
Stays abreast of current case law and changes in practice and procedure for legal proceedings.
Monitors the effectiveness of charges in court and provides recommendations to manager and adjusts administrative procedures to reflect changes in court locations and responsibilities.
Coordinates and maintains administrative procedures associated with prosecution, parking activities and other by-law activities.
Designs, updates, and delivers training to Customer Protective Service Officers to educate them about laying Provincial Offence charges, evidence, and charges within the Administrative Fees program.
Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriately, from the general public, court, etc.
Provides guidance to members of the Customer Protective Services team and other business units on prosecutorial related issues without direct supervisory responsibility.