Legal Counsel in Toronto, Canada
**This opportunity has been filled and is now closed. Please visit our job board to view our current opportunities.**
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act.
The Commission’s mandate is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair and efficient capital markets and confidence in capital markets, to foster capital formation and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.
This is a tremendous opportunity for a forward-looking lawyer to work for the public interest and address leading edge capital markets issues. The OSC offers work-life balance, a supportive and collaborative culture, and opportunities for learning and career growth. Securities lawyers with broader experience and an interest in registration work are welcome to apply.
Job Description – Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel is a dynamic role within the Registration Team which carries out a fundamental function for Ontario securities regulation. Reporting to the Manager, the Legal Counsel provides advice and recommends courses of action regarding the securities registration regime in Canada, including on novel matters. The Legal Counsel routinely engages with external stakeholders, making impactful contributions within the securities regulatory environment.
The Compliance and Registrant Regulation (CRR) Branch oversees the dealers, advisers and investment fund managers that the public relies upon when investing in securities. Using a risk-based approach, CRR focuses on initial and ongoing registration and compliance reviews of registrants. CRR also develops significant policy/legislative initiatives affecting registered firms and individuals, at both the Ontario and national levels.
The branch consists of integrated, multi-disciplinary teams including professional staff (chartered accountants and lawyers), registration officers (corporate and individual), and support staff.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Advise on the registration regime in Canada under National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements and Ongoing Registrant Obligations and related instruments.
- Address legal issues which arise during the course of the Registration Team’s review of applications for registration and recommend decisions in response to applications for exemptions from registration requirements under the Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act.
- Interface with registrants and their legal representatives to address issues of suitability for registration and other registration-related matters.
- Engage in outreach with the business community and play an impactful role in navigating legal and business challenges and driving solutions on registration-related issues.
- Carry out a key function in the development of significant policy/legislative initiatives affecting registrants at both the Ontario and national levels.
- Promote effective and consistent approaches on registration-related issues across Canada.
- Develop a strong network of working relationships with legal practitioners and other professionals through work in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory environment.
- Foster and build productive relationships with the registrant community and contribute to the Branch’s ability to efficiently and effectively grant registration to individuals and firms.
- Promote a results-oriented environment where the impact of registrant regulation activities are visible in terms of investor protection and confidence in Ontario’s capital markets.
Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge
- LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
- Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
- 3+ years of relevant securities/industry experience.
- A strong understanding of the securities industry and securities legislation.
- Demonstrated proficiency in balancing regulatory objectives with practical business considerations.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative recommendations
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely.
- Excellent research and legal drafting skills including experience drafting legislation, rules or other regulatory instruments.
- Strong analytical thinker able to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals.
- Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative working relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate various aspects of projects and policies with appropriate staff within the organization.
This is an exclusive search.
The Counsel Network – a Caldwell company is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.
For more information or to apply for this position, contact:
647.317.1610
Visit our job board to view all of our current opportunities.