Litigator

Ontario Nurses' Association•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) is Canada’s largest nurses’ union, representing 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, and 18,000 nursing student affiliates. ONA's mission is to defend the rights of and advocate for nurses and health-care professionals. ONA is seeking to hire a Litigator to join its Litigation Team in the Toronto office. This position involves providing litigation services to meet the service delivery needs of ONA and its membership. The role requires regular travel throughout the province, particularly within the South and North regions.

Requirements

A LL.B/Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience including demonstrated knowledge in representation of Trade Unions at arbitration and/or related practice areas including human rights/accommodation, occupational health & safety, and proceedings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) under the Labour Relations Act, Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act, and/or the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act (or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in labour relations/industrial relations.
Excellent client relations, interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated advocacy and presentation skills.
Ability to travel.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Have access to an automobile for business use.

Nice To Haves

Certificate of training in alternative dispute resolution/mediation and/or oral advocacy is an asset.
Being a Registered Nurse is an asset.
Education or training in alternative dispute resolution/mediation and/or oral advocacy is an asset.
Ability to speak other languages is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Accountable for the functions of the Litigation Team mandate, which involves contract administration, achieving ONA’s position, maintaining the collective and individual rights of members, and providing strategic advice in relation to contract interpretation and related areas of practice.
Primarily represents ONA and members at rights arbitrations.
Provides advice in relation to other related areas of practice including human rights/return to work/accommodation, occupational health & safety, and proceedings before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) under the Labour Relations Act, Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act, and/or the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act.
Provides service to ONA including staff, bargaining units, and members in a manner that is consistent with ONA strategic outcomes and member values, keeping the interests of membership as the primary focus of work.
Identifies risks and opportunities related to ONA achieving its goals/mandate including litigation strategies.
Actively participates as a team member to ensure that organizational accountabilities of the litigation team are met.
Makes observable contributions to the success of other team members and to the overall performance of the team including meeting team targets.
Completes timely, quality work and ensures cases are properly prepared within an appropriate time frame in advance of the hearing.
Consults with the Manager, Litigation, and/or our Senior Legal Counsel, to ensure ONA and members’ rights are protected as needed, but is also able to act independently in working out and solving issues that arise in her/his work.
Provides written reports to Management on areas of activity, as required including daily report and notification of significant cases including those with provincial implications.
Demonstrates solid client relations and communication skills, and sound professional judgment.
Acts as a leader and mentor, and makes contributions toward the overall improvement of the litigation team and the litigation of cases, including work processes.
Participates in education for staff and membership where requested.