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 a challenging and unique opportunity for a counsel to join the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) to support ongoing work on digital and data initiatives.

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 Legal Director of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) Legal Branch, duties will include:
• Advising on legal issues related to privacy law, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data management / governance / protection, and record keeping.
• Participating in the Ministry's policy and legislative development process, and special projects including those related to privacy law, electronic records management, access to data, and electronic service delivery.
• Working in a small, specialized team in a fast-paced environment and providing advice to government on emerging issues.
• Collaborating with other counsel within the Branch and other legal services branches and ministries on cross-ministry and cross-government initiatives.
• Monitoring and providing advice on regulatory, case-law and industry developments as relevant to the activities and policy development of the Government of Ontario.
• Providing written and oral legal opinions.
• Sharing information and providing education across government on key legal developments.
• Other duties pertaining to the privacy and information practice area as required.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

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

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience with privacy and technology law.
• Demonstrated experience and interest in legal matters and issues pertaining to the intersection of government policy and technology, including digital transformation of government operations, digital identification and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
• Proficient understanding of intellectual property law and other technology-related legal principles.
• Knowledge and experience drafting, negotiating, structuring and advising on various types of commercial contracts and transactions, including relating to all aspects of information technology and procurement.
• Knowledge of and / or experience with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Archives and Recordkeeping Act, Simpler, Faster, Better Services Act, At Your Service Act, and the Public Service of Ontario Act.
• Experience reviewing and advising on Privacy Impact Assessment / Threat Risk Assessment, process mapping and data flow analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of privacy law in Ontario, at the federal level and in foreign jurisdictions including the European Union.
• Experience with policy development and development of legislation and regulations.
• Proven oral and written communications skills as well as the flexibility and the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Knowledge in developing and presenting of Continuing Legal Education sessions.

Other Essential Skills

• Ability to work on high profile matters, and to respond flexibly to emerging issues
• Ability to inspire client confidence and handle files independently
• Ability to effectively brief senior leaders and work with multiple areas of government
• Ability to manage a multi-faceted practice and to handle unique legal questions
• Demonstrated judgment and analytical ability and political acumen
• Proven research and opinion writing skills including in complex areas of law
• Proven interpersonal skills to work productively in a collegial team environment