Counsel, Office of the Complaints Resolution Commissioner, Office of General Counsel - 9 month contract (Hybrid, Toronto)

JOB PURPOSE:

Counsel provides legal expertise, process analysis, and support to the Complaints Resolution Commissioner (Commissioner) and Manager in the review and resolution of concerns raised by complainants, respecting decisions of the Law Society to close a complaint file without taking further action.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• An LL.B. and membership in good standing with the Law Society.*
• A minimum of 7 years' related post-call experience in private practice and/or legal experience in administrative law with a regulatory body or government environment.
• Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Law Society's regulatory process, and the complaints review and resolution processes of the CRC.
• Clear and articulate oral and written communications in both individual and group settings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Internet research techniques.
• Formal training in Dispute Resolution theory and practice is an asset.
• Private practice experience is an asset.

*By submitting your application for employment, you agree to a clearance check of your regulatory history with the Law Society, and to the use of this information in assessing suitability for employment at the Law Society.

Client / Customer Service Planning

• Assists in the development and updating of rules for the review and resolution processes within CRC, consistent with the Law Society Act, applicable by-laws, and policies.
• Supports the CRC in the development of generic and complaint review specific correspondence and related materials.

Service Delivery

• Provides subject matter expertise regarding Rules of Professional Conduct, legal processes and procedures for the complaints review and resolution processes, pre- and post-review meeting advice and consultation to the Commissioner and Manager.
• Reviews, analyzes, and summarizes complaint files and related materials prior to complaints review and resolution meetings, and provides advice to the Commissioner and clarification in response to Commissioner's inquiries.
• Participates in review meetings with the Commissioner. Provides information to complainants during review meetings. Upon direction of either the Manager or the Commissioner, drafts correspondence with respect to pre- and post-review meeting procedural issues. As directed, prepares communications and memoranda on behalf of either the Manager or the Commissioner, including assisting in the drafting and preparation of the Commissioner's annual report to Convocation.

People Leadership

• Fosters a positive working environment by being a role model, clarifying goals, building the commitment of individuals, strengthening the team's collective skills, and encouraging creativity and problem solving, collectively and individually.

Financial Responsibility

• Assists the Manager as required in the preparation of the Commissioner's annual report to Convocation.

Research

• Conducts research including case law and statutory and regulatory interpretation on request of the Manager and the Commissioner, and while conducting reviews of complaint files.

Team Membership

• Works cooperatively with staff members within the CRC, including, as appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff members.
• Provides input into the use of the Law Society case management system, including identifying efficiencies and gaps, and participates in finding solutions to problems identified.

The Law Society has introduced a Distributed Workforce Model to leverage flexibility and agility, and to maximize employee productivity and engagement. Work arrangements will be determined by role and departmental requirements. The working arrangement for this position has been classified as hybrid, where the employee will regularly flex their work location between home and office. The specific application of this will be communicated to applicants contacted during the recruitment process.