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 Ministry of the Attorney General, Civil Law Division, seeks an experienced solicitor for an exciting and challenging opportunity to join the legal team at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry ("MNR-LSB"). This is an opportunity to work on a varied practice in a medium-sized legal branch with a wonderful office culture and very interesting and fast-paced work.

MNR-LSB is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, anti-racism and equity. An effective member of the MNR-LSB is responsible, innovative and collaborative. A responsible member of MNR-LSB is someone who demonstrates authenticity, accountability, and courage in how they interact with others. An individual who models ethical behavior, and who is honest and capable of making difficult choices. An innovative member is someone who embraces positive disruption, and who promotes the branch's values of diversity, anti-racism, and equity. An individual who inspires others, values continuous learning, and encourages development and integration. A collaborative member focuses on helping others to grow, proactively works on their self-education, and promotes an environment of inclusivity. An individual who consistently works to confront bias and systemic barriers while understanding the importance of creating a more diverse and accessible workplace.

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?

Responsibilities include:

• Providing legal advice and services to the Ministry of Natural Resources in the areas of natural resource management including in respect of fish and wildlife and invasive species.
• Advising on the development of Ministry legislation, regulations, policies and approaches to operational matters which are complex and have cross-ministry implications.
• Providing in-depth legal research and analysis through opinions and presentations.
• Briefing senior Ministry officials through in-person briefings and the preparation of briefing materials.
• Providing support to Crown Law Office Civil in respect of ongoing litigation matters.
• May include having carriage of some tribunal or prosecution proceedings. Some knowledge of planning law would also be an asset.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

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

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of natural resources management law, administrative law, and regulatory law.
• Experience in providing legal advice on policy development and operational activities.
• Experience working with the Office of Legislative Counsel.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, communities, and history, including knowledge of how reserve lands are managed and the history of the Crown's relationship with Indigenous peoples.
• Experience in Aboriginal law including Aboriginal and treaty rights claims and matters involving Aboriginal consultation and accommodation, and sensitivity to the issues facing modern Indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated ability help manage complex and contentious issues, including comfort and effectiveness in briefing senior officials.
• Aptitude in conducting in-depth legal research, providing practical legal advice and drafting legal opinions, agreements and other legal documents.
• Demonstrated oral, analytical, and written skills, as well as proven judgment and political acuity.
• The ability to work under pressure within tight timeframes, both independently and collaboratively in team environments.
• Demonstrated great client service and a proven record of building positive relationships with clients and colleagues, and of fostering and creating a culture of diversity, anti-racism, equity and wellness in the workplace.