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) and to support the multi-faceted work of the Ministry, including signature government infrastructure projects.

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 and on ministry operations including with respect to major infrastructure development projects; government realty strategy; infrastructure strategy, policy and funding; loans programs; and forfeited corporate property
• Provide advice on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues, real property, agency administration, and oversight, funding and lending matters, and corporate governance and corporate financing
• Provide advice on Aboriginal law with respect to proposed realty and infrastructure activities, particularly duty to consult and provide support fostering relationships with Indigenous communities
• Work on the development of legislation and regulations as well as on ministerial directions and Orders in Council
• Negotiate, draft, review and /or advise on a variety of legal instruments, including transfer payment and grant agreements, leases, land development agreements, and commercial agreements
• Work together with other ministries, legal branches and government entities

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

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

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of and familiarity with: corporate and commercial law, real property law, land use planning, municipal and development law, environmental law, and Aboriginal law and Indigenous legal issues
• Ability to provide high-quality written and oral legal advice in these areas including on an urgent basis
• Ability to advise program area clients on the development and drafting of legislation and regulations
• Experience in drafting, negotiating and assessing a variety of commercial and government legal instruments
• Ability to recognize and assess legal implications in ministry practices, programs and policy proposals
• Knowledge of government processes and approvals

Other Essential Skills

• Ability to work on high-profile matters, and to respond flexibly to emerging issues
• Ability to inspire client confidence, handle files independently, and provide leadership in a team environment
• 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 issues
• Demonstrated judgment and political acumen
• Proven oral and written communication skills
• Proven research and opinion writing skills including in complex areas of law
• Proven interpersonal skills to work productively in a collegial team environment