Commercial Litigation Associate (Recent Call / 1–2 Years’ Call)

Commercial Litigation Associate (Recent Call / 1–2 Years’ Call)

Securities Litigation | Capital Markets Disputes | Regulatory Enforcement

Toronto – Bay Street | Hybrid | Top-Tier Compensation

A prominent Bay Street law firm in Toronto is seeking a highly motivated Commercial Litigation Associate (Recent Call / 1–2 Years’ Call) to join its premier litigation and dispute resolution practice group. This opportunity is ideal for a junior lawyer with a strong foundational background in commercial litigation who is eager to build a specialized practice in complex commercial disputes, securities litigation, and regulatory proceedings within an elite platform.

Position Overview

Working alongside leading litigation partners and senior counsel, you will contribute to high-stakes commercial disputes, shareholder conflicts (including oppression remedy claims), securities class actions, capital markets litigation, and enforcement proceedings before the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and other financial regulatory bodies.

As a junior associate, you will gain hands-on, end-to-end exposure across the entire litigation lifecycle - including case strategy, pleadings, contested motions, examinations for discovery, hearing preparation, and negotiated settlements. This position offers early client exposure, meaningful drafting responsibilities, and direct courtroom/tribunal advocacy opportunities.

The firm is recognized for its commitment to junior associate development, high-calibre work, collaborative culture, and structured mentorship path toward long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• File Management & Support: Assist in managing complex commercial, securities, and regulatory litigation files under partner supervision.
• Legal Research & Drafting: Conduct advanced legal research and draft court pleadings, affidavits, motion materials, factums, and legal opinions.
• Advocacy & Court Appearances: Prepare for and conduct appearances before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, administrative tribunals, and procedural motions.
• Regulatory & Enforcement Strategy: Assist in advising corporate clients and financial institutions on regulatory compliance, enforcement risk, and internal investigations.
• Client Engagement: Participate in client strategy sessions, board presentations, and witness interview preparation.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Recent call to the Ontario Bar (2024–2026 call) with up to 2 years of post-call litigation experience, or a completed litigation articles/clerkship at a leading law firm or court.
• Practice Focus: Demonstrated interest or experience in commercial litigation, corporate/securities disputes, or regulatory enforcement.
• Technical Skills: Exceptional legal drafting, analytical precision, and research skills.
• Advocacy: Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for oral advocacy and trial work.
• Licensing: Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

• Market-leading Bay Street associate compensation and bonus structure
• Comprehensive hybrid work policy
• Direct mentorship from leading commercial and securities litigators
• Early hands-on advocacy and high-level client exposure
• Clear, transparent framework for career progression and professional development
• Collaborative, high-performance practice group environment

Application & Confidential Inquiries

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact:

Ben Higham

Cartel Inc. – Legal Recruitment Specialists

📧 Ben@cartelinc.com