Litigation Counsel

Alberta Securities Commission

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our organization The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) is the industry-funded regulator responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets. The Enforcement Division enforces Alberta securities laws by disrupting, investigating and prosecuting breaches of those laws with a view to stopping current misconduct and preventing future misconduct. The Litigation department ensures the effective prosecution of administrative and quasi-criminal proceedings by the ASC. The opportunity Reporting to the Manager, Litigation, the Litigation Counsel is responsible for prosecuting alleged violations of the Securities Act (Alberta) in hearings conducted before panels of the Commission. It is anticipated that Litigation Counsel will represent the ASC in two to three hearings a year in addition to providing legal advice and negotiating settlements on other files. This position offers the opportunity to do hands-on advocacy work in the public interest. The work is meaningful and allows counsel to manage files from investigation through to resolution or hearing, while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team. Depending on experience level and demonstrated competencies, eligibility for consideration at the senior litigation level may be assessed.

Requirements

• A law degree and be an active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
• A minimum of five years of experience practicing law, with a focus on litigation, preferably involving securities law, administrative law, and hearing or trial work.
• An interest in the regulation of capital markets and the public interest.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with superior analytical ability and sound oral and written advocacy skills.
• A strong professional work ethic and ability to work both alone and on a collaborative team.
• Note: The successful candidate will be required to provide a Police Information Check with results satisfactory to the ASC prior to commencement of employment.

Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with investigators, evidence management analysts and other litigation counsel to disrupt securities misconduct and prepare for and conduct hearings, trials and appeals.
• Preparing legal memoranda that provide an assessment of and recommendations for each assigned case.
• Conducting legal research in relation to Enforcement files.
• Drafting Notices of Hearing, submissions and other documents for administrative proceedings.
• Conducting and supervising disclosure in accordance with the requisite legal standards.
• Making interim and interlocutory applications at the Court of Kings Bench, Alberta Court of Justice, and the ASC, including search and seizure orders, constitutional challenges, interim cease trade orders, and asset freeze orders.
• Preparing witnesses for giving testimony.
• Attempting to resolve matters through settlement negotiations when appropriate.
• Providing legal advice on securities law issues to all professional members of the ASC.

Benefits

• We offer a hybrid work environment and flexibility, a competitive total rewards package consisting of 100 per cent employer-paid benefits, comprehensive health and dental, employee life insurance, short-term and long-term disability; retirement benefits; travel insurance; paid vacation time, flex and sick days; an employee family assistance program; transportation allowance, generous flexible spending account and professional development through subsidized courses, conference, workshops, seminars and in-house training.
• We also encourage fun and giving back to the community with initiatives offered through our ASC Social Club and annual United Way Campaign.
• The ASC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree