Senior Investigation Counsel

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 mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the 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, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.   We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.   The Enforcement Division at the Ontario Securities Commission investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario. Team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct. A strong visible enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, fosters fair, efficient and competitive capital markets, fosters capital formation, and contributes to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk.
The Case Assessment Team operates in a fast-paced, results oriented environment, making the Division’s initial inquiries regarding possible breaches of provincial securities law, assessing the nature and extent of any misconduct, and making determinations as to appropriate action including referral or resolution.
The Senior Investigation Counsel is responsible for identifying a variety of breaches of Ontario securities law, conducting necessary inquiries, analyzing the evidence obtained, and making recommendations for appropriate next steps. Using your subject-matter expertise in securities legislation and administrative law as well as your experience with investigative best practices, you will formulate strategies for effective and timely assessments and provide legal advice to other team members regarding assessments. You can expect to deal at times with novel issues and/or high-profile cases as a key member of the team.
What will you do?

• Responsible for conducting initial investigations into potential breaches of Ontario securities law for a variety of matters. This includes obtaining and analyzing evidence, and interviewing complainants, witnesses, and potential respondents.
• Identify legal issues, conduct legal research and analysis and provide legal advice as a subject matter expert.
• Interact with opposing counsel, market participants, and other relevant parties and make informed decisions as to the strength of evidence to support a case and make independent recommendations as to how best to proceed.
• Lead complex and challenging assessments, identify and address legal issues and provide ongoing legal advice and guidance to other team members in regard to Ontario securities law.
• From time to time, prepare affidavits to support the obtaining of interim remedies as may be required and may be called upon to give evidence.
• Provide advice regarding policy matters affecting the mandate to enforce Ontario securities law and lead or participate in Enforcement Division projects and initiatives.
• Provide regular mentoring and develop skills and abilities of less experienced legal staff and students.

What do you need to be successful in this role?

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• An undergraduate degree in Business, Finance or equivalent would also be an asset.
• You have excellent analytical and communication skills, are knowledgeable about the capital markets industry and have some experience in securities law as well as administrative law and/or criminal law.
• A minimum of 8 years experience conducting investigations and inquiries independently regarding securities-related matters and/or other regulatory matters.
• In-depth knowledge of securities laws as well as administrative law and/or criminal law.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian securities regulatory environment.
• Completion of the Canadian Securities Course is an asset.
• Strong ability to maintain effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders while managing the expectations of competing interests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skill and ability to exercise diplomacy and tact.
• Strong ability to problem-solve in a thoughtful and responsive manner that takes into account the various stakeholders and their interests.
• Possess sound judgment and analytical ability.

  Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.   * OSC Employees: please apply in Workday using the Browse Jobs feature within your Jobs Hub *
We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.   The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.   The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada , BlackNorth Initiative , Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion , and Pride at Work Canada   If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca .