Policy Counsel, Policy Equity & External Relations (Hybrid, Toronto)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Policy Counsel is responsible for activities related to the mission and mandate of the Law Society, as they apply to the Policy, Equity and External Relations Division. This includes acting as a legal resource to committees, task forces, working groups, advisory groups, Convocation and staff of the Law Society, conducting legal and other research with respect to policy issues, and working on a variety of projects as assigned by the Director, Policy.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• An LLB or JD, plus a Class L1 licence with Law Society of Ontario.*
• A minimum of 5-7 years' experience working for a professional governing body, government, legal organization or in legal practice or similar professional setting.
• Solid understanding of legislation affecting the Law Society's mandate, theory and practice, jurisprudence, and best practices.
• Research and analytical ability in support of policy development decision-making processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge and use of research tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Develops and communicates complex information in audience appropriate language and format.
• Computer literacy, including familiarity with word processing and applications.

*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.

Client / Customer Service Delivery

• Under the guidance and direction of the Director, Policy, contributes to the achievement of the strategic direction and position of the Law Society.
• Acts as resource to staff of the Law Society, committees, task forces, working groups, advisory groups and Convocation by, analyzing and researching policy initiatives and policy changes.
• As support to committees, task forces, working groups and advisory groups of the Law Society, drafts and circulates reports, prepares agendas, minutes and summaries of meetings, and manages timelines to meet reporting requirements.
• Prepares speaking and briefing notes, and responds to, or makes appropriate referrals for response to requests for information from staff, benchers and outside parties.
• Builds a network of mutually beneficial relationships with external stakeholders and legal organizations.

Research

• Undertakes, and implements projects, research initiatives related to policy matters as assigned.
• In particular, undertakes policy and other research for Law Society staff, benchers, committees, task forces, working groups, advisory groups and Convocation, in support of the policy development process, including consultation, preparation of papers, analysis of options and implications of same, in order to facilitate decisions.
• Identifies issues to be addressed, determines sources of relevant information, and analyzes a variety of data and information in order to develop a range of policy alternatives.
• Provides legal information to Law Society staff, bencher committees and external groups.
• Maintains relevant, up-to-date knowledge about legislation, new developments and best practices with respect to the profession.

Special Projects and Initiatives

• Assists in the implementation of a variety of projects, both recurring and ad hoc, on behalf of the Director, Policy, Law Society staff, benchers and external stakeholders, including the development, advancement and communication of legal information (symposia, publications, professional development and public education programs, etc.).
• Under the direction of the Director, Policy, assists with all aspects of project planning and implementation, working with stakeholders to assess resource requirements (staff, financing, facilities).
• Provides substantive legal content to projects, such as articles, publications and related documents, and develops reports and recommendations upon project termination.

Team Membership

• Works closely with staff in the Policy, Equity and External Relations Division, and works regularly with staff in all areas of the Law Society, benchers, and other key constituents to ensure effective flow of information and completion of projects.

Relationship and Alliance Building

• Acts as a resource to the Law Society and to outside parties, including other law societies, legal organizations, law firms, stakeholders and the general public.
• Prepares papers and submissions related to policy issues on behalf of the Policy, Equity and External Relations Division and the Law Society as assigned, in order to influence and inform policy, regulations and legislation affecting the legal profession.
• Develops and maintains a network of key stakeholders and decision makers, communicating the position of the Law Society in building good will and credibility among interested stakeholders, and maintains a network of mutually beneficial relationships.

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.