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 Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming/Ministry of Sport/Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility/Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Legal Branch of the Civil Law Division, Ministry of the Attorney General has an immediate opening for one legal counsel to provide legal support on priority government projects and the multi- faceted work of the branch, as part of a collegial and experienced legal team.

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?

• Providing legal services and support to the client Ministries and four agencies (Ontario Creates, Destination Ontario, St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Ontario Heritage Trust)
• Providing written and oral legal opinions on the interpretation of the client Ministries' mandates and legislation and regulations including matters related to the mandate of the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
• Negotiate, draft, review and advise on a variety of legal and other instruments, including transfer payment agreements, procurement contracts, and other property and commercial agreements.
• Providing legal support on policy and legislation development
• Providing strategic and general legal advice in a variety of areas of law including corporate/commercial, intellectual property and real estate

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

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

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, heritage, real property law, corporate and commercial law, and Indigenous law
• Experience in drafting, negotiating, and assessing a variety of commercial and government legal instruments
• Ability to advise on the development and drafting of legislation and regulations.
• Ability to recognize and assess legal implications in ministry practices, programs, and policy proposals
• Knowledge of government processes and approvals
• Experience providing legal advice to senior staff and executive of ministry clients as well as to agencies
• Proven judgment and interpersonal skills
• Proven oral and written communication skills