Counsel, Licensing Equity Initiatives, Licensing and Accreditation

Law Society of Ontario•Toronto, ON

2d•CA$112,415 - CA$133,490•Onsite

About The Position

Counsel, Licensing Equity Initiatives supports the Law Society’s licensing and accreditation mandate with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and Indigenous issues, applying an EDI and Indigenous lens to licensing policies, processes, and practices. The role serves as a direct, proactive support to licensing candidates – particularly Indigenous candidates and others from equity-deserving groups – by navigating complex licensing requirements, addressing barriers, managing escalations, and resolving sensitive or high-impact files. Acts as a trusted internal legal resource for licensing and accreditation with strong cultural competence and equity-informed practice, contributing to the consistent and equitable development, interpretation and application of licensing standards, content and policies. Works collaboratively with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders on program design and delivery to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and equity-deserving interest groups across Ontario. Contributes to research, guidance materials, and training initiatives that support inclusive practices within the Licensing and Accreditation department.

Requirements

Requires an LLB or JD.
Requires a Class L1 licence with the Law Society of Ontario.
Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience either practising law or working in the area of legal professional development.
Requires demonstrated experience working with EDI and/or Indigenous issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a professional body, government, post-secondary education institution, or in a legal practice is preferred.
Distance learning and/or assessment technologies are an asset.

Responsibilities

Contributes to the overall direction of the Licensing & Accreditation (L&A) department by applying an equity-focused and Indigenous lens to assess operational priorities, identify candidate and licensee needs, and implement quality assurance measures.
Provides analysis and targeted research on licensing policies, initiatives and changes, to support the effective and equitable application of requirements and to assist staff and candidates in navigating complex or emerging issues in the areas of EDI and access to justice.
Provides direct, proactive support to licensing candidates, particularly Indigenous candidates and others from equity-deserving groups, by responding to inquiries, identifying and addressing barriers, managing escalations, and supporting candidates through complex or challenging aspects of the licensing process, including requests for accommodation.
Establishes efficient processes and coordinates workflow among employees, consultants, vendors, and practitioners to support timely, consistent and equitable service delivery.
Identifies emerging operational issues related to EDI in licensing and recommends refinements to policies, processes, guidance materials, and initiatives to address them.
Engages internal and external stakeholders by communicating updates and seeking input with respect to licensing and accreditation matters from an EDI perspective.
Serves as a resource on EDI, with a special focus on Indigenous issues, and access to justice for the L&A department and its stakeholders, including candidates, licensees, law schools, colleges, and community groups.
Develops and maintains collaborative and strategic relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, such as external legal organizations and community partners, to articulate the Law Society’s position on EDI in licensing, support consultation and information sharing, and foster goodwill and credibility with the goal of effectively delivering an inclusive licensing and accreditation process.
Leads the planning and implementation of outreach and consultation with Indigenous communities and Indigenous legal service providers as needed.
Meets regularly with Indigenous communities, the Indigenous bar and other members of the public and the profession to exchange information, develop and implement Indigenous-focused initiatives, and continually expand the network of mutual interest and support.
Stays current on new developments in the field of legal education and licensing, including relevant aspects of practice management and ethics, with particular attention to equity-informed and inclusive approaches and Indigenous issues.
Monitors emerging educational methodologies, systems, and materials for lectures, seminar groups, computer-assisted learning, and independent study, and contributes to the implementation of innovations for the ongoing improvement of all aspects of the Law Society’s licensing and accreditation activities in ways that enhance accessibility, fairness and inclusion.
Fosters a collaborative team environment by setting clear goals, encouraging input, recognizing contributions, resolving conflicts, and promoting creativity and problem-solving.
Provides coordination and direction to staff, including program coordinators and others, to ensure the timely and effective delivery of work products.
Shares expertise and presents information to guide and influence the department and internal stakeholders, including licensing staff, working groups, and decision-makers on best practices for EDI in the licensing process.
Supports other special projects and operations as may be required by L&A.