Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.

Reporting to the Director, Conflicts, Records and Risk Management, the Senior Manager, Legal Ethics & Risk, will be responsible for managing the Firm’s risk management processes, systems and activities, including national processes for lateral hires; securing client content (e.g. Ethical Walls); external counsel guidelines; responding to regulatory requests for information; and our annual quality assurance program on a national level.

Major Responsibilities:

Supervise and mentor the Ethics & Risk Specialist and OCG Analyst
Manage and administer the Firm’s Ethical Wall process to comply with the Firm’s ethical responsibilities to maintain clients’ information in confidence
Manage the Firm’s conflict clearing process for lateral hires, including conflict searching, ensure candidate documentation is completed and received in a timely fashion. Manage internal and external communications. Coordinate onboarding of laterals with Records team and New Business Intake team relating to matter transfers. Produce related reports as necessary
Respond to Regulatory requests for information ensuring responses comply with applicable privacy laws
Manage the Annual Quality Assurance program
Assist in the administration of departures, preparation of reports, liaising with lawyers, assistants, and other Firm Administrative departments, as required
Manage the Firm’s external counsel guidelines program
Manage responses to client anti-corruption and compliance questionnaires
Is a key member of the Ethics & Conflict Committee, manage meetings and action items
Respond to queries relating to risk management at the Firm
Participate in risk presentations to lawyers and assistants on aspects of risk related policy and regulation including providing guidance on ethical walls
Evaluate, develop and implement technology solutions
Act as project lead or project manager for risk projects
Conduct routine compliance checks on compliance with various elements of the Firm’s risk management policies
Monitor industry trends and standards
Follow procedures and policies governing the Firm’s risk management activities and responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

This position requires a law degree or a minimum of 5 years of legal experience with an emphasis on risk, regulatory knowledge. An equivalent combination of risk related education, training and experience in other regulatory environments may be considered. Bilingualism will be considered an asset

Knowledge and Skills

Understanding of risk management and regulatory compliance within an organization
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to quickly identify and analyze complex issues to provide practical solutions
Strong research skills. Able to consider and analyze divergent legal positions often under time pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to provide clear instructions or advice; persuasively communicating Risk processes and policies
Excellent multi-tasking skills. Able to effectively manage a range of duties and responsibilities, organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks simultaneously and completing them to a high standard
Self-motivated, highly organized with excellent time management skills
Strong IT skills. Have exceptional computer skills and proven ability to learn new software and programs and keep up to date with developments (including enhancements to the Firm’s systems)
Experience in the area of risk, ethical and regulatory environment in which law firms operate and a solid understanding of the various professional regulatory bodies relevant to legal practice
Proven ability to work as part of a team. Capable of building and maintaining effective working relationships to become a trusted advisor to lawyers, assistants, other firm admin departments and the Ethics & Conflicts Committee with a willingness to cooperate and share knowledge
Proactive in taking ownership for the resolution of issues and able to work with minimal supervision, ability to exercise judgment, ability to work with limited direction

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work partially in the office.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.

No agencies or phone calls/emails please.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

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Senior Manager, Ethics & Risk