Legal Counsel (14 months)

Job title:

Legal Counsel (14 months)

Company

Legal Aid Ontario

Job description

Union: Non-UnionJob Number: J0625-0076Job Title: Legal Counsel (14 months)Job Type: ContractContract Duration (months): 14 monthsCity, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, CanadaJob Location: TorontoJob Category: LegalJob Classification: SLRole Designation: Flexible Hybrid – In person days can be flexible from week to week subject to manager approval and operational requirements.Open Positions: 1Posting Date: June 23, 2025Closing Date: July 10, 2025Salary: $90,186.96 – $154,117.41/YearLegal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.Primary functionLegal Aid Ontario (LAO) is a statutory corporation mandated to provide effective and high-quality legal aid services throughout Ontario in a client-focused and accountable manner while ensuring value for money.LAO’s General Counsel Office (GCO) is LAO’s in-house counsel, providing legal advice to the organization. GCO is looking for exceptional, adaptable corporate lawyers to join our Business Law team as Legal Counsel. The Business Law team is responsible for supporting the organization’s business needs, from contracting and procurement to corporate governance. If you are someone who is ready to roll up their sleeves and build and maintain enduring relationships with our busy internal business partners, we’d like to meet you. As part of GCO’s Business Law team, the successful candidate will report directly to the Director, Business Law.About the GCO teamGCO consists of approximately 26 professionals providing legal advice on corporate, litigation, regulatory, labour, employment, and privacy matters. You will have an opportunity to work alongside GCO teammates in the Litigation and Regulatory Affairs group and the Privacy and Information Management Office. The GCO team works on all kinds of transactions in a friendly, collaborative, inclusive, fast-paced environment.Home Location: Provincial Office – Toronto
Other Locations: Not applicableKey accountabilities

• Give solutions-oriented, practical advice on a broad range of matters related to:

o LAO’s mandate
o governing laws, rules, regulations, policies, and government directives
o equity, diversity and inclusion
o ethical conduct and conflicts of interest
o commercial leasing
o corporate governance
o information technology
o procurements
o privacy
o cyber security
o labour and employment

• Lead, structure, draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts including:

o transfer payment agreements
o professional services agreements
o procurement documents (such as requests for proposals, services, and quotes)
o statements of work
o master services agreements
o service level agreements
o managed services agreements
o license agreements
o subscription agreements
o cloud-based agreements
o confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
o terms of use for online platforms

• Contribute to GCO priorities and initiatives including creating and maintaining contract templates, supporting legal knowledge management, and improving workflow
• Prepare research memos, briefing notes, and presentations as directed
• Support periodic reviews of LAO policies, by-laws, and rules
• Provide support to the Corporate Secretary as requested
• Promote partnership and collaboration across legal and business functions
• Work with external counsel when required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required skills & experience

• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• At least five (5) years of combined post-call experience at a law firm or in-house legal department
• Highly responsive, service-oriented and solutions-driven attitude
• Business minded with practical legal and business judgment; ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and organizational impact
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating contracts and advising on procurement documents
• Experience drafting and negotiating technology agreements
• Self-motivated with a desire to work both independently and in a collegial team environment
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage deadlines and work well under pressure with competing tasks and client demands
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic, with a high level of motivation, initiative, and commitment
• Proficient in use of the internet, word processing, remote network access systems, and email applications

Assets:

• Experience advising within both unionized and non-union employee groups
• Experience with public sector procurements
• Background in IT law
• Background in labour and employment law
• Proficiency in French
• Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and the Legal Aid Services Rules

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.If you are having trouble applying, please call 1-877-427-7717.

Expected salary

$90186.96 – 154117.4 per year

Location

Toronto, ON

Job date

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:36:04 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsnearcanada.com) you saw this job posting.