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posted May 10, 2011

Circuit Counsel — Criminal Defence

Haida Gwaii Circuit Court

The Legal Services Society is seeking applications from qualified lawyers for a contract to act as duty counsel for the Haida Gwaii Circuit Court.

The circuit court visits Queen Charlotte City and Massett approximately once per month. The contract would be intended for a period of one year, commencing with the July 2011 circuit. Provided that the contract is being performed satisfactorily, it is anticipated that it would be renewed on an annual basis. Legal Services Society shall have the right to terminate the contract in its discretion should problems be identified with the level of service during the first three circuits.

As circuit counsel, you are expected to provide the following services for both adults and youth:

1. Duty counsel service

  • Provide all services usually provided by duty counsel, regardless of a person’s financial eligibility;
  • Provide, as a first priority, assistance and representation to accused in custody by handling show cause hearings and guilty pleas from persons who wish their cases concluded that day;
  • Provide advice and appear on behalf of those accused not in custody who have a matter appearing on or to be added to the court list; and
  • Provide representation, as necessary, in family matters where conflicts exist with the family circuit counsel or where the family circuit counsel is not available.

2. Defence counsel

  • Provide direct legal representation as defence counsel to all financially eligible persons who have a legal problem which is within Legal Services Society’s criminal coverage policy; and
  • Represent the accused in any preliminary inquiry, in which event a subsequent trial in Supreme Court would be billable on regular criminal tariff for whoever acts on the matter at that level.

Interested applicants should be experienced criminal counsel. An ability to represent parents in CFCSA matters as well as have a general understanding of family law would be a definite asset. Proven experience working with First Nations clients and communities is also an asset.

Compensation

Fees and disbursements, including travel expenses, are set out in the LSS Tariffs guide.

Circuit court dates

Circuits are now scheduled for the weeks commencing:

  • June 14, 2011
  • July 12, 2011
  • Aug 9, 2011
  • Sept 13, 2011
  • Oct 4, 2011
  • Nov 22, 2011
  • Dec 13, 2011

Closing date for applications: May 31, 2011

To apply, please send your resume and a letter outlining qualifications to:

Allen Vander Linde
Managing Lawyer
Criminal Law Practice Group
400 – 510 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3A8
Fax: 604-601-6195
E-mail: allen.vanderlinde@lss.bc.ca

For further information, please contact: Allen Vander Linde at
604-601-6027 (fax: 604-601-6195).