Senior Legal Counsel, Litigation

Term: Permanent, Full-Time

Division/Branch: Legal Services Division

Application Deadline: July 5, 2023

Level: Level 15/16

Salary Range: Min: $146,097 to Max: $200,881 (commensurate with experience)

Work Location: Toronto (Hybrid Work Model until further notice)

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. The AGCO is responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horseracing, and private cannabis retail sectors in Ontario, in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The Legal Services Division of the AGCO provides a broad range of legal services such as issuing Notices of Proposal and Orders of Monetary Penalty, representing the Registrar at Tribunal and Court proceedings, providing advice and opinions to AGCO staff on corporate and administrative law issues, drafting contracts, assisting with the process of drafting legislation and assisting in policy development.

We are looking for a Senior Counsel to join our Litigation team. The Senior Counsel will report to the Legal Director, Litigation.

The Role And Responsibilities

• You will provide legal advice and services in administrative law, regulation and litigation on behalf of the Registrar of AGCO.
• you will provide high quality, timely and consistent legal advice on the application of statutes and legislative instruments administered by the AGCO and on the application of statute and common law to the activities and operations of the AGCO.
• You will conduct litigation under the Liquor Licence and Control Act , the Gaming Control Act , the Cannabis Licence Act , and the Horse Racing Licence Act, and appeals and judicial reviews to Divisional Court and to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
• You will draft and review opinions, decisions, rulings, communications and other documents .
• As required, you will have responsibility for the assignment and supervision of the work of other legal counsel in a specified area.
• You can expect to represent the division on AGCO committees and initiatives.

Who You Are

• You hold a Law Degree accompanied by significant relevant experience working within the public service, a regulator, or at a regulated entity.
• Your membership with the Law Society of Ontario is in good standing.
• You have a specialized level of expertise in administrative law.
• Knowledge of the industries regulated by the AGCO and the legislation administered by it, is an asset.
• You are passionate about litigation and have extensive experience “on your feet”, including appearing before Tribunals, Divisional Court and Court of Appeal.
• You have demonstrated proficiency in the provision of senior level legal advice, from a litigation strategy and operational perspective, on complex compliance and eligibility matters.
• You are experienced in the oversight of a process, the assignment of work to legal counsel and the accountability for the quality of that work and related outcomes.
• You possess the skills, abilities and experience to effectively assume and carry the role of litigation lead on matters in all lines of business.
• You are able to provide senior level legal advice on industry related stakeholder relations issues and communications and media inquiries.
• You possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability in drafting legal opinions and recommendations .
• You have demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement, strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills and excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Your superior interpersonal skills have demonstrated your ability to work well independently and within a team and a dapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, complex and ever-changing environment.
• You must be able and willing to travel and possess a valid Ontario driver’s licence .

Why should you join the AGCO Legal Services Division?

• The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.
• The AGCO is committed to a culture of Diversity and Inclusion.
• The AGCO is committed to creating a supportive work environment that respects and values AGCO staff contributions and provides them with opportunities for growth and professional achievement.
• Unique opportunity to work at an award winning, world-class regulator that is innovative, proactive, inclusive and socially responsible.
• The Legal Division fosters a culture of respect, collegiality, mentorship, and balance between professional and personal lives.
• We recognize the importance of continuing legal education and provide opportunities for professional growth.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that covers health, dental, visioncare, paramedical services, parental leave top-up, a defined benefit pension plan and a broad well-being program.

The successful candidate must reside in Ontario or be prepared to relocate to Ontario, be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request.