Job Description

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team.

Our Legal Services Office is seeking a Legal Counsel who will have carriage of files that are straightforward to medium complexity and assists more senior lawyers on files that are more complex.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Director, Legal Services & Associate Corporate Secretary and working with the Director, Governance & Compliance, supports related portfolios on corporate governance and compliance matters in the context of applicable legislation, regulation and Provincial directives applying to the Corporation
Drafts and reviews Board and Committee reports and meeting minutes, opinions and other corporate documents such as by-laws and related operational policies falling within the Board of Directors’ 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
Advises on the interpretation and application of various administrative, regulatory and governance requirements as may apply to the Corporation
Supports the establishment and maintenance of processes and tools to facilitate retention of knowledge, information and decisions made with respect to legal advice provided, and the consistent application of such advice across the enterprise
Drafts and reviews contracts, memoranda of understanding and other legal documents
Conducts and where appropriate, oversees legal research to provide legal advice and opinions on a diverse range of complex legal matters
Accountable for matters within an assigned portfolio of legal work grouped by business unit, program, or project, as assigned by a senior lawyer
Oversees legal work completed by articling students and summer law students
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with government stakeholders (e.g. Ministry of Transportation, Infrastructure Ontario, municipalities), contractors, consultants, project partners, and other stakeholders, as required
Works with external counsel on corporate governance, compliance and transaction matters and when drafting documents, researching legal matters, or providing instructions
Makes presentations on current legal issues to relevant internal Metrolinx stakeholder groups
Supports Metrolinx’s compliance with Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act (FIPPA) by working closely with Privacy Manager and with FIPPA access coordinator to provide legal advice on available disclosure exemptions
Maintains 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 advice and prepares legal documents that comply with the law and mitigate exposure to unacceptable risk and/or financial loss in compliance with Metrolinx’s enterprise risk management framework
Supports Section 281 applications to the Minister of Finance, as required

What skills & qualifications do I need?

Completion of a degree in law or a related discipline – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
Proven of experience as a lawyer at a reputable law firm and/or in-house legal group (including at other provincial agencies or the Province of Ontario)
Membership in the Law Society of Ontario, as a Lawyer in good standing, is required
Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices
Knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act (FIPPA) and related regulatory requirements
Ability to identify and resolve legal issues, and translate legal concepts into readily understandable advice
Ability to work well, as a full and valuable member of an integrated business-legal team
Negotiation, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills to prepare legal documents

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

If you’re excited about working with Metrolinx but your past experience doesn’t quite align with every qualification of this posting, we encourage you to apply. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are always looking for great talent to join our team.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations.

Accommodation

We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Metrolinx and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment. We are committed to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act so if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let our Recruitment team know by contacting us at: 416-202-5601 or email hr.recruitment@metrolinx.com .

Application Process

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate.

Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

WE ARE AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER.

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Legal Counsel