Investigation Counsel, Investigation Services, Professional Regulation

OVERVIEW

JOB PURPOSE

Conducts investigations by gathering, processing, and analyzing evidence for possible breaches of Rules of Professional Conduct, by-laws and regulatory requirements. Participates in the development of case plans and disposition proposals that are consistent with the Law Society’s public interest mandate, legislation and policies. Provides legal advice and domain expertise to members of the division. Engages in the timely, consistent and fair investigation of a wide range of issues relating to the professional conduct, competence, and capacity of licensees.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

- Requires an LLB or JD. Requires a class L1 license with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience in specific areas of law (e.g., real estate, family, wills and estates, civil or criminal litigation, immigration, and administrative law), preferably in a private practice, regulatory environment, or a combination.
- Professional Knowledge:

▪ The Law Society’s mandate, services, legislation and policies.▪ Extensive knowledge of specialized area of law such as real estate, family, wills and estates, civil or criminal litigation, immigration or administrative law.▪ Interview and investigation methodologies, principles, and practices are an asset.▪ Law Society accounting and bookkeeping requirements.▪ Current trends and developments in the legal profession and forensic investigation techniques.▪ Dispute resolution techniques.

- Technical Skills:▪ Microsoft Office Suite / 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).▪ Broad understanding of the application of technology in a legal / regulatory environment.▪ Adobe Acrobat Pro is an asset.

- Competencies:▪ Analytical and problem-solving skills.▪ Project coordination, prioritization, and time management skills.▪ Business acumen and data-driven decision-making.▪ Interpersonal and presentation skills.▪ Organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.▪ Relationship Management.▪ Ability to manage a multi-issue and diverse caseload.▪ Concise, well organized writing skills in the preparation of a full range of investigative documents and memoranda, which may form the basis for disclosure to Discipline Counsel and agreed statement of fact.

*By submitting your application for employment, you agree to a clearance check of your regulatory history with the Law Society, and to the use of this information in assessing suitability for employment at the Law Society.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Investigations & Case Management

- Investigates serious matters, including professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, competence, licensing, capacity, and unauthorized practice. Develops case plans outlining investigation strategies and evidence requirements and prepares comprehensive investigative reports.
- Identifies risk and conducts ongoing risk analysis.
- Follows procedural and administrative requirements regarding searches, seizures, and the handling, cataloguing, security, and continuity of evidence.
- Interviews witnesses and prepares witness statements in accordance with legal requirements.
- Prepares and provides legal advice on case preparation to other staff for the Proceedings Authorization Committee (PAC) related to non-discipline recommendations (i.e. Invitation to Attend, Letter of Advice, Regulatory Meeting and file closure), and assists in preparing cases for hearings, and other legal practice and other evidentiary matters.
- Assesses and recommends appropriate responses (e.g., establishing practice controls, obtaining search and seizure orders, identifying potential candidates for remedial diversion initiatives, exploring alternative dispute resolution opportunities, etc.).
- Devises and implements plans of supervision for licensee’s practices.
- Communicates with staff, complainants, and licensees regarding the investigation process and disposition of cases, ensuring strict confidentiality.
- Assists department staff in the preparation of cases for hearings, testifying as a witness in court and regulatory proceedings.

Policy Development

- Identifies legal issues arising from investigations and advises the department Director and senior management on policy development or revisions as needed.
- Continually assesses policies and procedures, and identifies opportunities for policy development or change in regulation procedures. Participates in the development of assigned policy and processes.

Team Membership

- Collaborates with the department to coordinate investigative and regulatory responses to identified issues involving subjects of investigations.
- Promotes the sharing and transfer of knowledge amongst team members.
- Contributes to the development of standardized practices, guidelines and procedures in the appropriate conduct and resolution of investigation files.
- Manages own caseload while working with team members and colleagues in Intake, Resolution, and Litigation Services to establish, monitor, and improve case management processes and performance targets.

Relationship & Alliance Building

- Develops and maintains mutually beneficial relationships with law enforcement, government agencies, and various levels of the Federal and Provincial Judicial systems as well as financial institutions to facilitate the exchange of information.

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

The Law Society has introduced a Distributed Workforce Model to leverage flexibility and agility, and to maximize employee productivity and engagement. Work arrangements will be determined by role and departmental requirements. The working arrangement for this position has been classified as primarily remote, with a requirement to attend the office on an occasional basis. The specific application of this will be communicated to applicants contacted during the recruitment process.

OUR COMMITMENT

The Law Society of Ontario is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from persons representing the diversity of our community. We are committed to creating an accessible, barrier-free and inclusive workplace and are committed to continuing 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 hr@lso.ca or call 416-947-3475. We appreciate all interest and will directly contact candidates under consideration.

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