Counsel

Term: 2 Permanent, 1 Contract (of up to 11 months), Full-Time

Division/Branch: Legal Services Division / Legal Services

Application Deadline: April 23, 2025

Pay Level: 13/14

Pay Range: $142,113 ($75.39 hourly) to $195,405 ($103.66 hourly) *commensurate with experience*

Work Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; Hybrid

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a dynamic, innovative regulatory agency responsible for delivering comprehensive regulatory oversight of Ontario's alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing industries. We work every day to deliver first-class regulatory services to ensure the industries we regulate are conducted with honesty, integrity, and in the public interest.

The Legal Services Division at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) provides essential legal services that support the organization's regulatory role. Our team plays a critical role in preparing legal documentation for regulatory decisions, representing the Registrar at Tribunal and Court proceedings, advising on corporate and administrative law issues, drafting contracts, assisting with legislation development, and providing legal support for policy initiatives. As Legal Counsel, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in one of the following two legal domains:

• Litigation
• Legal Services

Core Competencies (Shared for Both Roles)

The ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant Experience: 5 years plus legal experience working within the public service, a regulatory environment, or a regulated entity is highly preferred.

• Knowledge: Familiarity with the sectors regulated by the AGCO and an understanding of the legislation it administers. Familiarity with administrative law is preferred.

• Judgement and Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and provide well-reasoned legal advice in complex situations, often under tight deadlines.

• Analytical and Research Skills: Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply legal principles to novel and challenging issues.

• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively in team settings, and engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts and recommendations to a variety of audiences.

• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and evolving challenges.

Counsel (Litigation)

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Legal Director, Litigation, Litigation Counsel will:

• Provide high quality, timely, creative and consistent, litigation focused, legal advice on the application of statutes and other legislative instruments administered by the AGCO.

• Regularly represent the AGCO in litigation under various legislative frameworks, including at Tribunals, and on appeals and judicial reviews at the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal for Ontario.

• Provide legal advice on compliance and eligibility matters, including the issuance of legal documents, such as Letters of Incident, Orders, Notices of Proposal, Rulings, Administrative Monetary Penalties, contracts, policies, and other documents to support the Registrar's mandate.

• Contribute to corporate initiatives and special projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, the public, and law enforcement, on behalf of the Registrar.

• Provide strategic legal advice to support AGCO's operations and regulatory processes.

Additional Competency for Counsel (Litigation):

• Litigation Expertise: Proven experience in administrative law litigation, with a strong track record of handling complex cases.

Counsel (Legal Services)

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Legal Director, Legal Services, the Counsel (Legal Services) will:

• Provide high quality, timely, creative and consistent legal advice on the application of statutes and other legislative instruments administered by the AGCO as well as the application of law to the activities and operations of the AGCO.

• Provide legal analysis and advice to AGCO officials at all levels, both written and oral, on compliance-related activities as well as policy development and interpretation, particularly in connection with the gaming sector.

• Advise on the AGCO's corporate law needs, including in relation to finance, contracting and procurement, freedom of information and privacy matters, and employment law.

• Provide advice on and support in matters of AGCO Board Governance and corporate compliance with Government of Ontario policies and directives.

• Support special projects and liaise with the public, other government authorities and the police on behalf of the Registrar.

Additional Competencies for Counsel (Legal Services)

• Proven experience advising in relation to administrative law.

Job Requirements:

• Educational Requirements: The successful candidate must hold a Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel as required.

• Work Eligibility: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.

Why should you join the AGCO Legal Services Division?

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The AGCO is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture that celebrates and promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.

• Supportive Work Environment: We are committed to creating a work environment where every staff member's contributions are respected and valued. We prioritize opportunities for growth, development, and professional achievement.

• A World-Class Regulator: Join an award-winning, innovative, and socially responsible organization recognized as a leader in regulatory practices. The AGCO is proactive and committed to excellence across all areas of its work.

• Culture of Respect and Balance: The Legal Division promotes a culture of respect, collegiality, and mentorship, where you will find a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.

• Professional Development: We recognize the importance of continuing legal education and offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision care, paramedical services, parental leave top-up, a defined benefit pension plan, and a wide range of well-being programs designed to support your overall health and work-life balance.

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.

Other details

• Pay Type Salary

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