Senior Legal Counsel

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the provincial online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the exclusive provincial wholesaler to authorized private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect, and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to join our team! In this pivotal role, you’ll collaborate with the Chief Legal & Administrative Officer, contributing to our proactive and business solution-oriented in-house Legal team. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will champion legal matters related to employment, labor, privacy, and provide crucial support to our Enterprise Regulatory Team.

About Your Day

• Provide the business with practical and simple creative solutions to complex legal issues
• Convey complex legal risk matters in concise, simple terms that are easily understandable and actionable by the business
• Participate in and/or lead cross-functional business teams
• Retain, instruct and manage outside counsel as required and approved by the Chief Legal and Administrative officer
• Provide legal interpretation and advice in areas of law/regulation applying to the business
• Develop and maintain an up to date repository of templates for employment related agreements
• Manage and lead negotiations with minimal supervision under tight timelines
• Draft and negotiate employment related documentation including offer letters, termination letters and settlement agreements
• Advise the business on compliance with the company’s collective bargaining agreement
• Lead counsel supporting HR in the area of collective bargaining
• Lead support to the Corporate Affairs team in the area of agency reporting and compliance
• Prepare and present to Senior Leadership in assigned area of responsibility
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and strategies to endure the on-going maintenance of legal and regulatory compliance
• Proactively identify and assess legal risks
• Develop strategies, processes, training and other controls to mitigate legal risk(s)
• Provide primary legal support for the Company’s Enterprise Regulatory Compliance Team
• Identify opportunities to automate/streamline repetitive, transactional legal services
• Appropriately manage and direct outside counsel as needed to maximize cost effectiveness and quality of services
• Liaise with lawyers from other government entities for best practices

About You

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) OR Juris Doctor (JD) and licensed to practice law in Ontario
• 8+ years of in-house legal practice experience
• 2+ years of experience in one or more of the following practice areas: employment, labour, privacy, regulatory compliance
• Experience with supporting and advising an Enterprise Regulatory Compliance team in a retail or wholesale business
• Experience drafting corporate policies and processes, and creating and delivering ‘fit for purpose’ compliance training to the business.
• Experience managing and directing outside counsel to maximize cost effectiveness and ensure quality of service
• A mix of pubic and private sector in-house legal experience would be an asset
• Cannabis industry experience preferred
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Compliance Designation is preferred
• Strong business acumen with a demonstrated ability to provide creative business oriented solutions
• Ability to provide business practical and simple creative solutions in a fast-paced evolving industry
• Ability to convey complex legal risk matters in concise, simple terms that are easily understandable and actionable by the business
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and assess legal risks
• Strong understanding of the three (3) Lines of Defense
• Working knowledge of in-house legal department research and file management tools
• Excellent research skills and demonstrated strategic thinking, analytical, creative problem- solving and planning skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Adaptable, flexible and proven team player
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

About the Job

• This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge Street. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
• City: Toronto, ON
• Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
• Required Travel: none

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $141,900 - $161,900. This is a pay grade 10A role, with a salary range of $125,484.42 - $188,330.66. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation, please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.