Counsel

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

At the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the well-being of candidates and our staff is a top priority. As you are aware, the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. We encourage you to let us know if you require any accommodations that may affect your participation in the evaluation.

Please note that candidates must submit an application on the Public Service Jobs website at www.canada.ca/GCjobs. If you are unable to submit online or require an extension to the deadline, please contact Penny-Laine Narlock at before the closing date.

Work environment

The Ontario Regional Office (ORO) is responsible for federal prosecutions in southern and southwestern Ontario, from Windsor in the west to Trenton in the east, and northward to Georgian Bay and the districts encompassing Barrie, Lindsay, and Peterborough. The regional headquarters is located in Toronto, with local offices in Brampton, Kitchener, and London.

The majority of the files handled in the ORO involved drug-related offences. Counsel also prosecute criminal organization, terrorism, and tax evasion offences, as well as offences under the Canada Elections Act and the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act.

Prosecutors play a key role in the Canadian criminal justice system. As Counsel at the PPSC, you will conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions on many significant and complex cases related to drugs, organized crime, terrorism, money laundering, human trafficking, war crimes, and so on. You will quickly gain a breadth of knowledge and experience as you work on a variety of prosecutions. Unlike in private practice, where little time is spent in court, prosecutors can go to court every day. You can acquire immediate trial experience that many private litigators must wait years to get.

For those coming in at the LP-01 level, the Federal Prosecutor Development Program is an organization-wide program designed to ensure that new federal prosecutors gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be effective working-level prosecutors (LP-02). The program offers a standardized framework for learning and career progression, ensuring transparency and consistency in the development of prosecutors. The program provides a diversity of experiences and activities, including learning, training, work activities, on-the-job training, and mentoring, to ensure prosecutors have the competencies necessary to fulfill the PPSC's mandate.

In addition, the ORO offers the opportunity to work on complex, quality files, along with high quality continuing professional development and a formal mentorship program. You will have access to training initiatives on various legal topics and subjects that embrace and promote wellness and diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and criminal justice system.

Joining the Public Prosecution Service of Canada will be a transformative experience, both professionally and personally.

Positions to be filled: 6

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Occupational Certification:
- Eligibility for membership in the Law Society of Ontario.

Experience:
LP-01 Positions:
- Experience in making appearances in court as counsel, articling student or law student.

LP-02 Positions:
- Recent experience* in the conduct of criminal or quasi-criminal litigation.

* Recent experience refers to the experience obtained in the last five (5) years. Experience is associated with a broad range of criminal litigation over a three (3) year period.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Qualifications - Experience:

LP-01 Positions:
- Experience that demonstrates an interest in criminal law.
- Experience in criminal litigation.
- Experience making appearances in court as Counsel, articling student or law student regarding criminal matters in the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice or equivalent court.
- Experience articling as a clerk on criminal matters in the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice or equivalent court.

LP-02 Positions:
- Experience in the conduct of Charter litigation (including sections 8, 9 and 24(2)) and with search warrant litigation.
- Experience litigating issues relating to confidential informers.

Organizational Needs:
The organization is committed to establishing and maintaining a representative workforce. Qualified applicants who self-declare as members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and/or women may be selected for appointment to fulfill organizational needs.

Operational Requirements:
- Possession of a valid driver’s licence. Note: the licence class must, at a minimum, authorize the driver to drive a car, van or small truck, on all roads and highways without an accompanying driver.
- Requirement to travel which may include assignments on short notice and for extended periods.
- Ability and willingness to work outside normal working hours which may include working evenings, nights and weekends based on operational needs.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
LP-01 Positions:
- Basic* knowledge of criminal law and procedures including knowledge of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

*Basic is defined as fundamental and developmental constituting the basis or starting point.

LP-02 Positions:
- Sound* knowledge of the role and practices of Crown Counsel in the conduct of criminal litigation in the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
- Sound* knowledge of criminal law and procedures including knowledge of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its relevant case law.

*Sound is defined as being capable of fulfilling their duties with minimal direction based on thorough knowledge.

Abilities, Skills and Personal Suitability:
- Specialized Skills and Knowledge (such as understanding one’s role, legal skills and legal knowledge)
- Professionalism (such as professional conduct, professional fortitude, service orientation and self assessment)
- Judgement (such as decision making, critical thinking, and adaptability)
- Practice Management (such as file management)
- Communicating effectively (such as verbally, in writing and by listening attentively)
- Interpersonal Relationships (such as building relationships and emotion management)
- Leadership (such as coaching and mentoring, influencing others and teamwork)

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

- Member in good standing in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada.
- Must be a member, in good standing, of the Law Society of Ontario within 100 days of appointment.
- Applicants must be willing to be assigned to other types of work at the same group, level and tenure within the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Assignment of work may be made within or between the various teams of counsel within the office and will be based on operational considerations and will not require relocation of residence.
- All conditions of employment must be met and maintained throughout the tenure in the position.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

LP-01 Rates of Pay (all locations): $81,212 to $112,007

LP-02 Rates of Pay (Toronto & Brampton): $113,534 to $179,717

LP-02 Rates of Pay (Kitchener): $113,186 to $156,107

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.