Crown Counsel

ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS COMPETITION IS RESTRICTED TO STEP 1 CANDIDATES INCLUDING OPS ALOC AND OCAA LAWYERS living or working within 125 km of this location. Note: Eligible lawyers from outside the Area of Search may apply but will not be entitled to relocation or travel expenses for the transfer as set out below.

Step 1: All regular/fixed-term OCAA and ALOC lawyers on staff, current Redeployment List Members and current Articling Student Hireback Pool Members.
Step 2: In the absence of qualified applicants at Step 1 the competition may be reposted so that external applicants or non-members of the above-mentioned groups would then be eligible to apply.

The Ministry of the Attorney General has an immediate challenging opportunity for an intermediate or senior counsel to join the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) to support signature government infrastructure projects and the multi¬ faceted work of the Ministry, as part of a collegial and specialized legal team.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting to the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Infrastructure Legal Services Branch, you will:

• Provide strategic legal advice and support to the Ministry of Infrastructure on signature government initiatives, major infrastructure development projects, and ministry operations.
• Provide expert legal advice on municipal, land development, and planning aspects of infrastructure development projects.
• Work on the development of legislation and regulations as well as on ministerial directions and Orders in Council.
• Negotiate, draft, review and advise on a variety of legal and other instruments, including transfer payment and grant agreements, land development and commercial agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
• Work together with other ministries, legal branches, municipalities, and other government entities.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

Membership in good standing as a lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of, and experience with, planning, municipal, real estate, and land development law, as well as the Municipal Act, the City of Toronto Act, the Planning Act and the Transit-Oriented Communities Act
• Knowledge of, and familiarity with, real property law, municipal governance, corporate and commercial law, environmental law, Indigenous law
• Experience in drafting, negotiating, and assessing a variety of commercial and government legal instruments
• Ability to advise on the development and drafting of legislation and regulations.
• Ability to recognize and assess legal implications in ministry practices, programs, and policy proposals
• Knowledge of government processes and approvals

Other Essential Skills

• Demonstrated judgment, political acumen, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire client confidence, handle files independently, and provide leadership in a team environment
• Ability to handle a high-volume practice, involving complex and potentially novel legal issues
• Ability to advise on urgent matters with short turnaround times
• Proven oral and written communication skills