Director, Legal Services and Associate Corporate Secretary

Metrolinx

About The Position

Metrolinx is seeking a Director, Legal Services & Associate Corporate Secretary for its Legal and Corporate Commercial Services Office. This role will assist with professional legal work and provide legal advice and opinions on a diverse range of corporate matters, under the general direction of the Chief Legal and Commercial Officer or a designate. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario, focused on connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe through public transit operations and infrastructure development.

Requirements

Law Degree and membership in good standing, as a Lawyer, in the Law Society of Ontario is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience as a lawyer, paralegal or corporate clerk gained at a reputable law firm and/or in-house legal group, preferably at other provincial agencies or for the Province of Ontario.
Demonstrated experience as a corporate secretary or associate corporate secretary at a large private sector organization or other crown agency may also be considered.
Ability to identify and resolve legal issues.
Ability to work well as a full and valuable member of an integrated business-legal team.
Ability to think strategically.
Comfortable with working independently, as well as good understanding and judgment of situations which require approval or input of the Chief Legal and Commercial Officer and other senior management.
Ability to function well under pressure and demonstrate leadership in legal department.
Strong service ethic.
Ability to translate legal concepts into readily understandable advice.
Sound judgment and practical approach to resolving legal issues.
Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills.
Ideal candidates will have corporate governance experience, gained from a major firm, corporation or government agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in any of the following areas would be an asset: Contract and Claims Management, Municipal Law, compliance oversight and public sector governance (Municipal, Provincial, or Federal).

Responsibilities

Acts as Metrolinx’s legal lead (“Lead Legal Expert”) on corporate governance and related compliance matters in the context of applicable legislation, regulation and Provincial directives applying to the Corporation.
Working with the Corporate Secretary and corporate governance staff across the organization, anticipates, leads and oversees planning, delivery and completion of Metrolinx Board and Committee related governance requirements including meeting planning, reporting, record keeping and follow up.
Drafts and reviews complex Board and Committee reports, opinions and other corporate documents such as by-laws and related operational policies falling within the Board of Director’s oversight responsibilities.
Provides high-quality and timely legal advice, strategic advice, research, opinions, guidance and service on matters pertaining to corporate governance and compliance matters.
Accountable for matters within an assigned portfolio of legal work grouped by business unit, program or project as assigned by a senior lawyer.
Directs Metrolinx’s external counsel on corporate governance, compliance and other legal matters and makes recommendations to the Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal and Commercial Officer.
As Lead Legal Expert, provides feedback to other lawyers in the area, keeps abreast of relevant legal developments, and pro-actively communicates related legal developments to affected internal clients.
Oversees and conducts legal research on a diverse range of complex legal matters.
Provides legal advice and opinions on a diverse range of disputes and other matters.
Leads significant day-to-day legal issues and other initiatives; reports major developments to the Corporate Secretary, Chief Legal and Commercial Officer, Chief Executive Officer and/or Board of Directors as may be required.
Leads legal presentations to management and the Board, including presentations to the Senior Management Team.
Advises all levels of management and senior ministry representatives, including briefings of senior management and ministry representatives up to and including Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Minister, and the Minister at the Ministry of Transportation.
Briefs policy and legal staff at the Ministry of Transportation.
Attends and participates as a member of the department’s Legal Services Management Team and manages direct reports.
Maintains an awareness of current provincial and federal legislation and regulations that may affect Metrolinx; recommends amendments to existing policies and procedures arising from relevant legislative or regulatory changes; provides advice/opinions on the interpretation of legislation.
Contributes to enhancing corporate policies and procedures and provides opinions and advice to the corporation.
Provides pro-active legal advice to organization outside of specific legal assignments.
Advises and prepares legal documents that comply with the law and do not expose Metrolinx to risk and/or financial loss.
Assists in developing programs for junior lawyers and, at the request of the Chief Legal Officer, mentors junior lawyers and other staff, particularly as Lead Legal Expert in matters under purview.
Commits to ongoing leadership development through participation in organization’s leadership programs.