Counsel

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario•Toronto, ON

1d•CA$142,113 - CA$195,405•Onsite

About The Position

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest. The Legal Services Division at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) provides essential legal services that support the organization’s regulatory role. Our team plays a critical role in supporting and advising on regulatory responses and sector governance, advising on a wide range of corporate and administrative law issues, preparing legal documentation for regulatory decisions, advising in relation to ongoing compliance matters, advising on corporate and administrative law issues, drafting contracts, impacting legislative developments, and providing legal support for regulatory governance and policy initiatives. Under the direction of the Legal Director, Corporate and Regulatory Law Branch, Legal Counsel will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the following ways:

Requirements

Relevant Experience: 5 years plus legal experience working within the public service, a regulatory environment, or a regulated entity is highly preferred.
Proven experience advising in relation to administrative law.
Knowledge: Familiarity with the sectors regulated by the AGCO and an understanding of the legislation it administers. Familiarity with administrative law is preferred.
Judgement and Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and provide well-reasoned legal advice in complex situations, including to senior officials, often under tight deadlines.
Analytical and Research Skills: Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply legal principles to novel and challenging issues.
Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively in team settings, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and evolving challenges.
Educational Requirements: The successful candidate must hold a Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited institution.
Licensure: Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario or another Canadian law society.
Ability and willingness to travel as required
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the sectors regulated by the AGCO and an understanding of the legislation it administers.
Familiarity with administrative law is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide high quality, timely, and innovative legal advice on the application of statutes and other legislative instruments administered by the AGCO, including the Registrar’s Standards, as well as the application of law to the activities and operations of the AGCO.
Provide legal analysis and advice to AGCO officials at all levels, both written and oral, on compliance-related activities, policy development, and legislative interpretationacross the gaming, liquor, cannabis and horse racing sectors.
Advise on the AGCO’s corporate law needs, including in relation to finance, contracting and procurement, freedom of information and privacy matters, and employment law.
Provide advice on and support in matters of AGCO Board Governance and corporate compliance with Government of Ontario policies and directives.
Support and advance the agency’s strategic priorities across corporate and regulatory areas.
Represent the Registrar when engaging with the public, other government authorities, the police, municipalities, and other stakeholders on behalf of the Registrar.

Benefits

health, dental, and vision care
paramedical services
parental leave top-up
defined benefit pension plan
well-being programs
Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.