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 Legal Services Branch for the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Northern Development (the "Ministries") has an immediate opening for legal counsel.

This position offers interesting work in a small and collegial branch.

The main focus of the work will be providing legal support and Aboriginal law advice in the context of mining and mining law.

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?

Duties will include:

• Providing written and oral legal advice to clients on Aboriginal law matters as they arise in the Ministries' mandates, including issues involving section 35 Aboriginal and treaty rights including requirements for consultation and accommodation, litigation support for matters involving Indigenous issues, and providing negotiation support for land claims matters
• Conducting legal research and analysis and providing advice through opinions and presentations
• Providing legal support for issues management, communication products and the development of Ministry policies and operational approaches
• Preparing briefing materials and briefing Ministry clients as required
• Travel to the northern regions may be required

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

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

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in Aboriginal law, including knowledge and understanding of the law related to Aboriginal and treaty rights, treaty claims, the duty to consult, title claims, and related matters
• Familiarity with Ontario government approaches to Indigenous issues and the history of the Crown's relationship with Indigenous peoples
• Demonstrated ability and judgment to help manage complex and contentious issues
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating with Aboriginal communities
• Experience in and aptitude for legal research and opinion writing, statutory interpretation and policy development work
• Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills
• Highly developed policy and political acuity
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
• Organizational skills and the ability to handle a high volume of work on short notice and with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent client service in a diverse and inclusive team environment
• Proven ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues