Discipline Counsel, Litigation Services, Professional Regulation (Hybrid, Toronto)

JOB PURPOSE

Discipline Counsel represent the Law Society in various regulatory proceedings, appearing before the Law Society Tribunal and in the courts.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum level of education required for this position is an LLB or JD, plus a Class L1 licence with Law Society of Ontario.
• Post-call litigation experience is required, with demonstrated advocacy and negotiation skills, and sound judgment.
• Preference would be given to candidates with more than 5 years of litigation experience.
• Experience gained in a professional regulation context would be advantageous.
• May be required to travel locally to attend meetings at licensee's offices and occasional travel within the province to interview witnesses or attend hearings outside of Toronto.
• Understanding of the Law Society's mandate, services, legislation and policies.
• Extensive knowledge of investigation and prosecutorial practices.
• In-depth knowledge of the rules of evidence, the rules of procedure, and the law concerning privilege and documentary disclosure.
• Superior litigation skills.
• Superior legal research skills, including internet research.
• Ability to analyze and digest complex spoken and written information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in both spoken and written language in individual and group settings.

*By submitting your application for employment, you agree to a clearance check of your regulatory history with the Law Society, and to the use of this information in assessing suitability for employment at the Law Society.

*Please submit a cover letter with your application.

Client / Customer Service Delivery

• Prepares for hearings, including developing case strategy, assessing evidence against required standard of proof, preparing witnesses, drafting documents as required including authorization memos, notices of application, agreed statements of fact, requests to admit, affidavits and other hearing materials including facta, negotiating narrow issues of fact and law, attending prehearings and researching law as necessary.
• Represents the Law Society in hearings, appeals and judicial reviews.
• Communicates with Law Society staff and complainants regarding the process and disposition of cases.
• Provides advice on investigation files as directed.

Policy Development

• As directed by their Manager, the Senior Manager, or the Director, Litigation Services, initiates, researches, and recommends appropriate policy changes related to the improvement of the regulatory process.
• Participates on Bencher committees and working groups as requested.

Performance Goals, Targets and Standards

• Discipline Counsel are assigned carriage of a high volume of cases and are expected to work independently, under the supervision of their Manager, delivering high quality work in a dynamic and fast- paced environment.
• Discipline Counsel contribute to and participate in the development of standardized practices, guidelines and procedures for the prosecution of discipline files.
• Discipline Counsel manage their caseload as directed by their Manager and the Senior Manager, Litigation Services, ensuring compliance with caseload priorities, performance metrics, timelines, and strategic policies.

Team Membership

• Promotes the sharing and transfer of knowledge, applicable standards and information amongst members of the Litigation Services and Professional Regulation Division.
• As directed, works with and shares expertise with other regulatory bodies, and other legal organizations.

The Law Society has introduced a Distributed Workforce Model to leverage flexibility and agility, and to maximize employee productivity and engagement. Work arrangements will be determined by role and departmental requirements. The working arrangement for this position has been classified as hybrid, where the employee will regularly flex their work location between home and office. The specific application of this will be communicated to applicants contacted during the recruitment process.