Overview
At Law Society of Ontario we believe in the importance of a collaborative and supportive work environment that provides high quality and professional service to the public, lawyers and paralegals, and other stakeholders.
We are always on the lookout for exceptional individuals who are ready to make a meaningful impact, innovate and grow with us. Our offering:
- We value each member of our team and invest in your professional learning and development.
- We provide access to the resources needed to support professional growth, mental health and well-being is a priority.
- Our competitive compensation package includes a defined contribution pension plan, health and dental benefits plan and a robust Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).
- Our progressive employment policies, high levels of employee engagement and the impressive architecture and beautiful grounds of the historic Osgoode Hall, there are many reasons to work at the Law Society.
We hope you will consider joining the Law Society!
Job Summary
Counsel, Licensing Equity Initiatives supports the Law Societyâs licensing and accreditation mandate with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and Indigenous issues, applying an EDI and Indigenous lens to licensing policies, processes, and practices. The role serves as a direct, proactive support to licensing candidates â particularly Indigenous candidates and others from equity-deserving groups â by navigating complex licensing requirements, addressing barriers, managing escalations, and resolving sensitive or high-impact files. Acts as a trusted internal legal resource for licensing and accreditation with strong cultural competence and equity-informed practice, contributing to the consistent and equitable development, interpretation and application of licensing standards, content and policies. Works collaboratively with colleagues and internal and external stakeholders on program design and delivery to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and equity-deserving interest groups across Ontario. Contributes to research, guidance materials, and training initiatives that support inclusive practices within the Licensing and Accreditation department.
Qualifications
- Requires an LLB or JD.
- Requires a Class L1 licence with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience either practising law or working in the area of legal professional development.
- Requires demonstrated experience working with EDI and/or Indigenous issues.
- Experience in a professional body, government, post-secondary education institution, or in a legal practice is preferred.
- Professional Knowledge:
- Designing, delivering, and evaluating defensible licensing systems and processes.
- Law Society’s mandate, services, rules, and regulations.
- Program design processes, publication production, and principles and best practices for adult learning and instructional methodologies.
- Entry-level competencies for licensees.
- Equity and access to justice related legislation, theory, and practice, including employment and human rights legislation, jurisprudence, and best practices.
- Research and analytical tools and methods.
- Solid understanding of Indigenous affairs, culture, and communities and the relationship between the Law Society and the Indigenous community.
- Technical Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite / 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Distance learning and/or assessment technologies are an asset.
- Competencies:
- Customer service skills.
- Negotiation skills with tact and diplomacy.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Project coordination, prioritization, and time management skills.
- Interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and presentation skills.
- Organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
- Relationship Management.
- Research skills.
- Legal writing skills.
Key Accountabilities
Client / Customer Service Delivery:
- Contributes to the overall direction of the Licensing & Accreditation (L&A) department by applying an equity-focused and Indigenous lens to assess operational priorities, identify candidate and licensee needs, and implement quality assurance measures.
- Provides analysis and targeted research on licensing policies, initiatives and changes, to support the effective and equitable application of requirements and to assist staff and candidates in navigating complex or emerging issues in the areas of EDI and access to justice.
- Provides direct, proactive support to licensing candidates, particularly Indigenous candidates and others from equity-deserving groups, by responding to inquiries, identifying and addressing barriers, managing escalations, and supporting candidates through complex or challenging aspects of the licensing process, including requests for accommodation.
- Establishes efficient processes and coordinates workflow among employees, consultants, vendors, and practitioners to support timely, consistent and equitable service delivery.
- Identifies emerging operational issues related to EDI in licensing and recommends refinements to policies, processes, guidance materials, and initiatives to address them.
- Engages internal and external stakeholders by communicating updates and seeking input with respect to licensing and accreditation matters from an EDI perspective.
Relationship & Alliance Building:
- Serves as a resource on EDI, with a special focus on Indigenous issues, and access to justice for the L&A department and its stakeholders, including candidates, licensees, law schools, colleges, and community groups.
- Develops and maintains collaborative and strategic relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, such as external legal organizations and community partners, to articulate the Law Society’s position on EDI in licensing, support consultation and information sharing, and foster goodwill and credibility with the goal of effectively delivering an inclusive licensing and accreditation process.
- Leads the planning and implementation of outreach and consultation with Indigenous communities and Indigenous legal service providers as needed.
- Meets regularly with Indigenous communities, the Indigenous bar and other members of the public and the profession to exchange information, develop and implement Indigenous-focused initiatives, and continually expand the network of mutual interest and support.
Research:
- Stays current on new developments in the field of legal education and licensing, including relevant aspects of practice management and ethics, with particular attention to equity-informed and inclusive approaches and Indigenous issues.
- Monitors emerging educational methodologies, systems, and materials for lectures, seminar groups, computer-assisted learning, and independent study, and contributes to the implementation of innovations for the ongoing improvement of all aspects of the Law Society’s licensing and accreditation activities in ways that enhance accessibility, fairness and inclusion.
Team Membership:
- Fosters a collaborative team environment by setting clear goals, encouraging input, recognizing contributions, resolving conflicts, and promoting creativity and problem-solving.
- Provides coordination and direction to staff, including program coordinators and others, to ensure the timely and effective delivery of work products.
- Shares expertise and presents information to guide and influence the department and internal stakeholders, including licensing staff, working groups, and decision-makers on best practices for EDI in the licensing process.
- Supports other special projects and operations as may be required by L&A.
The Law Society of Ontario values and respects diversity. We are committed to creating an accessible, barrier-free and inclusive workplace in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please make any requirement you may have for accommodation during the recruitment process known when contacted.
If you are unable to apply to this position due to the requirement for an accommodation of any kind, please email us at [email protected] or call 416-947-3475.
The Law Society of Ontario does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process at present.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
