Associate General Counsel

Tarion

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Tarion, a not-for-profit organization established in 1976, safeguards new home buyers and homeowners in Ontario through a new home warranty and protection program. The Law department, comprising operational, support, and policy development functions, plays a crucial role in dispute resolution, providing legal advice to other departments, the CEO, and the Board of Directors, and contributing to policy and strategic initiatives. The Associate General Counsel, reporting to the Vice President & General Counsel, is responsible for providing expert legal advice, litigation leadership, policy development, and legal risk management. This role also involves mentoring and overseeing legal staff and contributing to the organization's strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Completion of Law degree required (LLB or JD), plus additional courses or Professional Designation.
• 10+ years of progressive experience or an equivalent combination of experience and demonstrated competencies may be considered.
• Significant experience in litigation and one or more of the following: client management, file management, project management.
• Advanced knowledge of legislation, legal rules and procedures; Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and Regulations.
• Strong business judgment and people leadership skills.
• Strong advocacy skills (both written and oral), excellent customer service skills with an ability to exercise tact, courtesy and sound judgment in relation with internal and external interested parties.
• Legal research and drafting of legal documents.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, from support staff to the CEO.
• Ability to represent Tarion to all stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with short deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, documents and systems of other Tarion departments would be an asset.
• Knowledge of the building industry and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, mentoring, and development to lawyers and legal support staff.
• Support the Vice President & General Counsel with departmental planning, operations, and leadership initiatives.
• Contribute to succession planning and capability development within the legal team, and manage direct reports including performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Manage and conduct litigation before the courts, administrative bodies and arbitrations (homeowner LAT, builder LAT (NOPs), BAF, collection litigation and defence litigation) – representing Tarion at proceedings.
• Oversee external legal counsel and lawyers on assigned files.
• Maintain accountability for designated practice areas and business units and provide strategic legal risk assessment and resolution recommendations.
• Provide legal advice/opinions to other business units, operation groups, communications, strategic outreach (issues management), and advice on a broad range of legal matters.
• Support the development, implementation and evaluation of policy initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders to identify legal and operational impacts of policy changes.
• Ensure lessons learned through dispute resolution activities inform policy development and business practices.
• Participate on Board committees and governance-related initiatives.

Benefits

• competitive compensation program
• opportunities for learning and development
• employee discount program
• access to wellness programs
• variety of Employee Assistance Program tools and online resources to support well-being

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior