Counsel (Litigation)

Application Deadline: November 17, 2023

Level: Level 13/14
Salary Range: Min: $120,741 to Max: $166,019 (commensurate with experience)
Work Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; Hybrid

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, including 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 Counsel to join our Litigation team. The 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, including 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 assist with the drafting and review of legislation, contracts and other documents.
• You will support committee work or special projects and liaise with the public, other government authorities and the police on behalf of the Registrar.

The ideal candidate:

• 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.
• Experience in administrative law litigation.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks and demonstrated ability to work effectively within those systems.
• Knowledge of the industries regulated by the AGCO and the legislation administered by it, is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work well independently and within a team.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, complex and ever-changing environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel, including a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

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 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.