Crown Counsel

ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS COMPETITION IS RESTRICTED TO STEP 1 CANDIDATES INCLUDING OPS ALOC AND OCAA LAWYERS living or working within 125 km of this location. Note: Eligible lawyers from outside the Area of Search may apply but will not be entitled to relocation or travel expenses for the transfer as set out below.

Step 1: All regular/fixed-term OCAA and ALOC lawyers on staff, current Redeployment List Members and current Articling Student Hireback Pool Members.
Step 2: In the absence of qualified applicants at Step 1 the competition may be reposted so that external applicants or non-members of the above-mentioned groups would then be eligible to apply.

The Public and Business Service Delivery Legal Services Branch of the Civil Law Division, Ministry of the Attorney General has immediate openings for two (2) intermediate or senior counsel.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting to a Deputy Director of the Public and Business Service Delivery Legal Services Branch, you would be responsible for providing strategic legal advice and support to the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) and its various registrars in the areas of Consumer Protection and Public Safety. In particular, you will be involved in:

• Developing and advising on legislation and regulations in response to a variety of policy priorities and emerging issues in the consumer marketplace
• Supporting clients in operational work that includes delivering education to businesses and licensees, responding to and mediating consumer complaints and conducting regulatory enforcement
• Advising with respect to administrative authorities, including on legal obligations and project collaborations
• Advising on special projects as they arise
• Drafting and reviewing orders in council and minister's appointments
• Working closely with a variety of client groups

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

Membership in good standing as a lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario

Technical Legal Experience

• Demonstrated experience with the development of legislation and regulations
• Experience drafting orders in council, administrative agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other similar documents
• Knowledge of administrative law, practice, and procedures
• Experience with operations and enforcement of regulatory regimes
• Knowledge and experience with corporate governance rules and other legislation pertaining to business organizations (e.g. Ontario's Business Corporations Act; Not-for-Profit Corporations Act; Personal Property Security Act; Co-Operative Corporations Act)
• Knowledge of MPBSD's consumer protection statutes such as the Consumer Protection Act and including sector-specific legislation such as the Payday Loans Act, Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, Condominium Act, Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, and of public safety legislation such as the Technical Standards and Safety Act and Electricity Act Part VIII. ''
• Experience in recognizing and assessing legal implications arising from Ministry practices and programs
• Experience supporting clients with consultations with stakeholders and sector-specific organizations

Other Essential Skills

• Ability to manage multiple files, and take ownership and carriage of files, while also functioning in a team environment
• Oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to brief senior leadership
• Demonstrated client service skills and ability to work with clients on ongoing projects
• Ability to handle a high-volume practice and advise on urgent matters
• Ability to conduct legal research in complex areas of law and provide strategic advice
• Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to contribute to a collegial and equitable environment