Legal Counsel at Legal Aid Ontario — NeverHard

Company Bio Legal 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 is 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. Primary Function Legal 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 looking for exceptional, adaptable corporate lawyers to join its Business Law team (BLT) as Legal Counsel. The BLT is responsible for supporting the organization’s business needs, from contracting and procurement to corporate governance. The successful candidate will report directly to the Director, Business Law. About the GCO Team GCO consists of approximately 35 professionals providing advice on corporate, litigation, regulatory, labour, employment, and privacy matters. Team members work alongside colleagues in the Litigation and Regulatory Affairs (LRA) group and the Privacy and Information Management Office (PIMO). The GCO team works on all kinds of transactions in a friendly, collaborative, inclusive, and fast‑paced environment. Home Location: Provincial Office – Toronto Key Accountabilities Provide strategic and practical advice on a broad range of matters related to: LAO’s mandate governing laws, rules, regulations, policies, and government directives equity, diversity and inclusion ethical conduct and conflicts of interest commercial leasing corporate governance information technology public procurements privacy cyber security labour and employment Lead, structure, draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts including: transfer payment agreements services agreements procurement documents statements of work software and product licensing agreements subscription agreements confidentiality and non‑disclosure agreements 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 deliver presentations Support periodic reviews of LAO policies, by‑laws, and rules Provide support to the Corporate Secretary Promote partnership and collaboration across legal and business functions Manage 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 gained at a law firm or in‑house legal department Strong analytical skills and common‑sense approach to provide practical, strategic, solutions‑oriented advice Significant experience drafting and negotiating contracts and advising on procurements that advance business objectives while fostering and maintaining positive internal and external relationships 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 attention to detail 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 technology law Proficiency in French Knowledge of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and the Legal Aid Services Rules Equity Statement 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 racialised, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognise the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritising, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr