In-house counsel

Legal Counsel – Ontario Ombudsman

October 7, 2020

Legal Counsel Lawyer Job in Toronto, Canada

The Ontario Ombudsman is an independent, impartial office of the Legislature that resolves and investigates complaints about Ontario government organizations, broader public sector bodies, including municipalities, universities and school boards, child protection services, and compliance with the French Language Services Act (FLSA). The Ombudsman recommends solutions to individual and systemic administrative problems, and promotes fairness, accountability, and transparency in the public sector as well as respect for French language service rights and the rights of children and youth.

Job Description – Legal Counsel Lawyer

The Ontario Ombudsman has an immediate opening for a Legal Counsel to join their team in Toronto. The successful candidate will actively operate across all units of the Office of the Ombudsman and positively impact Ontarians by negotiating changes to practices, policies, and legislations within the public sector. The successful candidate must be fluent in both French and English.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly competent lawyer seeking an in-house role with an outstanding organization dedicated to equality and justice and offering work/life balance.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Investigate serious and complex cases, prepare investigative reports, and provide legal advice and support to the Ombudsman and his staff.
Negotiate changes to practices, policies, and legislations within the public sector.
Assist with internal policy development and contract preparation, as well as conduct staff training.
Represent the Office and participate in outreach activities such as conferences, symposia, and other events that connect stakeholders to the important work they do.

Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge

LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.
A minimum of 2 years of experience as legal counsel.
Significant experience in administrative law and/or the French Language Services Act.
Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to research complex issues, use sound judgement, and provide legal advice and support.
Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to coach others through complex issues.
Superior written and oral communication skills in both English and French.
Knowledge of the Francophone community is considered an asset.
Experience conducting administrative investigations is also considered an asset.

This is an exclusive search.

For more information or to apply for this position, contact:   

Jeremiah Hunter, Recruitment Associate   

403.444.1765   

jhunter@thecounselnetwork.com   

Connect with me on LinkedIn  

Visit our job board to view all of our current opportunities.  

The Counsel Network

The Counsel Network, the most respected, connected and powerful lawyer recruitment firm in Canada, has specialized in providing the Canadian legal market with comprehensive, long-term talent management solutions since 1988. On October 3, 2022, the firm merged with international retained executive search firm Caldwell, bringing together two strong executive search brands with exceptional reputations borne of a true passion for achieving the best results for clients and candidates. Our partners have advised the profession through economic cycles and unprecedented changes in the industry, building careers, firms, law departments and, ultimately, success in the process. Now backed by international resources and reach, we take a team-based approach – ensuring clients find the best talent for their teams and candidates find the best position for their next career move. We believe every client deserves more than a transactional experience with their recruiter. Our passion to deliver the best experience to our clients is what drives us to be experts in our field and is demonstrated by our efforts to continually develop our knowledge of the legal market, build strong relationships within the profession and our communities, and uphold our exceptional track record of successful, long-term placements.