2023 CLA Mentorship program – now accepting applications for interested Mentors and Mentees
Open to Full/Active CLA members only
Application deadline is March 31, 2023
For the period of May 1 – November 30, 2023, recent calls (new to 5 years) will be paired with seasoned CLA members. Mentors will be assigned or matched up by the mentoring committee. During the mentorship period, mentors and mentees will meet virtually, at minimum, for two hours, twice per month. The recent call is to bring a representative sample of their criminal law files. There will be random review as well as an opportunity for new calls to ask whatever they wish. Paired mentees/mentors cannot be from the same firm/office. At this time the program is being run virtually pending health official updates.
Please note, the CLA mentorship program is only open to current members located in Ontario.Be sure you have joined/renewed for the membership period commencing April 1, 2023 before applying.
Mentors:
It is recommended that mentors have at least seven or more years experience. The mentor’s responsibilities consist of:
Committing five to ten hours per month.
Providing substantive mentoring on all aspects of a criminal law practice including but not limited to: ethics, client management, file management, disclosure review, tactics, pre-trial negotiations and preparation for motions, trials, preliminary inquiries and guilty pleas.
Reviewing fees and billing practices, including both private and Legal Aid files.
Meeting virtually, at minimum, for two hours, twice per month.
Reporting on progress after three months.
Participating in an exit interview at the conclusion of the program.
Signing a program agreement form.
Mentees:
Mentee candidates are those within five years of being called to the bar. A current CLA membership must be maintained throughout the mentorship period. This program is not open to students, articling students or members located outside of Ontario. The mentee’s responsibilities consist of:
Committing 10+ hours per month.
Being prepared to discuss the details of their files, ie; the Mentee will have reviewed all the available disclosure prior to the meeting to enable the Mentor to discuss approaches, motions, etc.
Reviewing fees and billing practices, including both private and Legal Aid files with their mentor.
Meeting virtually, at minimum, for two hours, twice per month.
Reporting on progress after three months.
Participating in an exit interview at the conclusion of the program.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION- Toronto OCJ- 10 Armoury Street Courthouse Updates
Here are some updates about the new Toronto OCJ located at 10 Armoury Street including details about courtroom equipment and lawyers' lounge access. Also included, is information about the bail centre located at 2201 Finch Avenue West in Toronto including important email addresses to reach each location.
EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR THE TORONTO REGION BAIL CENTRE:
All requests for audio recordings for OCJ criminal court matters in Toronto should be requested through 10 Armoury St. This includes requests for bail court recordings heard at the regional bail centre at 2201 Finch.
General mailbox for all other correspondence for the judiciary not captured in the above mailboxes. If the correspondence is for a specific judge, please ensure the subject line includes the name of the judge.
Please ensure to include the purpose of the email in the subject line e.g. JPT, preliminary hearing/trial, special bails, motions,/applications, special projects, etc.
Please continue to use the existing courthouse emails until the courthouse moves to the OCT-T/Toronto Region bail centre (TRBC). The above mailboxes should be used as of today (March 6, 2023).
ENTERING THE COURTHOUSE AT 10 ARMOURY
Similar to how lawyers access existing courthouses, defence counsel will be able to access the new courthouse without going through security screening by presenting their Law Society of Ontario ID or Criminal Lawyers’ Association ID. Once you enter through the front doors, there will be a bypass lane to the left of security screening for defence counsel to present their ID.
COUNSEL LOUNGE at 10 ARMOURY
The counsel lounge is located on the 7th floor. The court is in the process of installing an interim key pad for access to this space. The interim key pad is expected to be installed towards the end of next week. Until then, a security representative will be stationed outside the counsel lounge. To prevent the public from accessing this space, defence counsel will be required to show their Law Society of Ontario or Criminal Lawyers’ Association ID prior to entering the counsel lounge. Once the interim key pad solution is installed next week, we will be provided with the keypad passcode.
Features of the counsel lounge include:
8 loose tables with 32 seats
3 large coffee tables with nine 3-person soft seating sofas
Coat closet (accommodates approx. 123 coats based on coat size). There is also a hat shelf above the coat rod.
Copier station if defence counsel would like space to install a printer/copiers
Power outlets throughout the lounge
Note: A coat closet for defence counsel is located on the ground floor adjacent to courtroom 101. This was requested by defence counsel to support those attending case management courts but are unable to go to the counsel lounge to store their coats.
(see photo for reference)
COURTROOM AV TECHNOLOGY
To assist with understanding the AV equipment on the courtroom counsel desk, please find attached a high-level overview of the hearing assist/interpretation system, evidence presentation system, and document camera. (See below link to AV quick Guide
IN-CUSTODY CONSULTATION ROOMS
Defence counsel who wish to meet with an in-custody accused person at the new courthouse may do so in the following ways:
Main Cell Consultations (B1 Level)
Counsel must attend the B1 Level utilizing the public elevators. They can request to meet with their client through the intercom located on the wall in the elevator lobby of the B1 Level. Once access has been approved, follow the direction provided by the officer to a nearby interview room. All counsel attending client interviews are subject to ID verifications.
Multiple Accused High Security Court (MAHS) 5th floor
Counsel must attend room 5-1C and use the intercom located on the wall to place an interview request. They must then follow the instructions provided by the officer to a nearby interview room (also on the 5th floor). All counsel attending client interviews are subject to ID verifications
Mental Health Court (MHC) 8th floor
Counsel must attend room 8-100 and use the intercom located on the wall to place an interview request. They must then follow the instructions provided by the officer to a nearby interview room (also on the 8th floor). All counsel attending client interviews are subject to ID verifications.
Courtroom Consultations
All courtrooms have nearby in-custody interview rooms on the same floor as the courtroom. Typically, one in-custody interview room is shared between two courtrooms. These in-custody interview rooms can only be accessed via the courtroom.
Subject to availability, counsel may request the use of those interview rooms if their client is on the courtroom floor.
Arrangements are to be made with the court officer in the applicable courtroom:
Set date/plea courts: Counsel can access the in-custody interview rooms while court is in session, since the door to enter the room is located in an area that will not interrupt court proceedings
Trial courts: Counsel to use interview rooms on courtroom recess breaks and lunches; if used, courtroom lunches and recess breaks to be extended by 10 minutes to allow staff to have lunches and breaks
We will continue to provide updates as they are shared with us.
We enjoy featuring current members via online, email and social media. It's a great way to learn about each other. You can read the many profiles already published by going to https://criminallawyers.ca/about-us/member-profiles/
Interested in being profiled? Email CLA volunteer Maya Shukairy (mayashukairy AT gmail.com) for more information.
The CLA mentorship support program is made up of seasoned CLA members that have volunteered to support our recent call members (seven or less years) in specific areas. All recent call members are welcome to connect with the mentors for support, but please keep in mind they are volunteering their time. When connecting with any person below, be sure to reference this program, your name, year of call and area(s) of support needed.
If you are a CLA member with 10+ years of practice and wish to be added to the above participants, please email the following information, with the subject line "CLA Mentorship Support" to support@criminallawyers.ca:
First and last name
Year of call
Email
Phone:
Location:
Expertise:
The Mentorship Support initiative complements our annual CLA mentorship program that runs from May 1 to November 30 each year. In March each year, the CLA releases a call for mentors and mentees. Details will be emailed to all members once a call for mentors/mentees is released.
New to the CLA? Become a member and get up to 13-months of membership for the price of 12
The Criminal Lawyers Association (CLA) is a specialty legal organization in Canada. With 1,800+ members and counting. The CLA has emerged as one of the strongest voices of criminal justice and social liberty in Canada.
Become a member of the CLA before February 28 and get up to 13 months of membership for the price of 12! All new members will have a membership paid through until March 31, 2024.
Membership options:
Active Member (Full Member): A full member of the Association shall be a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, paid up as to fees and assessments, a significant portion of whose practice is devoted to the defense of criminal charges or a lawyer who devotes a significant portion of their efforts to the interests of the defense bar.
Student Member: Student-at-law or student in an accredited law school.
Observer Member: An Observer member is a practising criminal defence lawyer outside of Ontario in good standing with their regulatory body.
Call for Nominations – 2023 G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal
Who do you think is deserving of the 2023 G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal? It's easy, confidential and free to nominate!
The 2023 nomination deadline is March 31, 2023
Annually the association presents the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal for outstanding contribution to criminal justice. G. Arthur Martin was Canada’s greatest criminal advocate before he became a leading jurist with the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Looking to hire? Post any positions for FREE on the CLA job board
This is a FREE service for anyone (members and non-members) to post employment opportunities for our current 1,800+ CLA members to view in a members-only section of the website. Members can view job positions online by clicking here.
Opportunities must be legal oriented and appeal to criminal defence lawyers, articling students and/or law students.
*Please note we do not accept positions from government funded institutions. If they are submitted online, they will not be posted.
Positions can fall under full-time, part-time, contract or other categories.
CLA Listservs
There are two main email discussion groups devoted to criminal law for the benefit of its members. This is a member only service. There is the MAIN Listserv (open to all CLA members), as well as a Recent Call Listserv (open to CLA members in their first seven years of practice and students). Find out more by going to https://www.criminallawyers.ca/members-only/listserv/
Group Benefits CLA JUNIOR ACTIVE, SENIOR ACTIVE, OBSERVER, and AFFILIATE members can purchase their choice of guaranteed to issue Health and Dental Benefits (from 7 plan choices). Other benefits that can be purchased include: High Cost Drug Coverage, Accident & Serious Illness Insurance, Mental Health & Wellness options, and / or Executive Benefits (which can include Annual Health Assessment at the clinic of your choice) for you and your employees. Find out more by going to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/Group-Benefits
Tech Help TechHelp is a free service offered to CLA Members. TechHelp gives members of the CLA access to volunteer technology mentors – tech savvy members who can answer tech-related questions. No question is too basic, no issue too complex.
Perkopolis
Criminal Lawyers’ Associations is proud to offer exclusive access to various discounted products and services, including: theatre, hotels, attractions, movies, shopping, travel & much more, to all members through our new discount partner Perkopolis. Find out more by going to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/perkopolis
CLA member ID card
Personalized photo identification cards are available to active and student members. There is no charge for one ID card every two years ($20 plus HST if less than two years since last ID card issued). Through special arrangements with the Ministry of Correctional Services, CLA ID cards have been designated as an acceptable form of identification for purposes of obtaining unobstructed access to the various detention facilities. To request your ID card, please send a headshot in jpg format to support@criminallawyers.ca.
Storwell Self Storage
Storwell Self Storage is proud to offer all CLA members a 10% discount on their first self-storage unit rental at any of Storwell’s facilities in Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Mississauga. Go to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/Storwell-Self-Storage
CLA Online Directory and Referral Service
Make sure your details are current by clicking here. Current CLA members with an Active or Observer type of membership have the option of being included in our public online directory and referral service.
FOR THE DEFENCE
For the Defence CLA Newsletters are sent to all current members in print and electronic format. Members can access all issues published in 2011 and after in the members only section.
Precedents
All members have access to numerous precedents online, free of charge.
TELUS
We are pleased to announce our members now have access to exclusive member discounts and some great deals from TELUS Business. Find out more by going to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/TELUS
Merchant Services Offer
Members have access to the top Payment Processing technologies, and the very best customer service – all while maintaining the industry’s most competitive and transparent pricing on Merchant Services.
uLawPractice
Members have discounts on uLawPractice – Canada’s only cloud-based legal accounting and practice management software. Since 2011, this Ottawa-based company has grown to provide lawyers and paralegals across Canada with an automated solution for every facet of bookkeeping necessary to remain compliant in jurisdictions across Canada.
Aleri
Aleri helps lawyers prepare for trial by providing a more effective way of finding inconsistencies and weaknesses in the evidence. Members benefit from 40% off regular pricing! Go to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/Aleri
Mentorship Support
The CLA is pleased to introduce a new initiative – CLA mentorship support. This program is made up of seasoned CLA members that have volunteered to support our recent call members (seven or less years) in specific areas. All recent call members are welcome to connect with mentors for support. For more information, please go to https://members.criminallawyers.ca/Mentorship-Support
Note: A coat closet for defence counsel is located on the ground floor adjacent to courtroom 101. This was requested by defence counsel to support those attending case management courts but are unable to go to the counsel lounge to store their coats. 
