Legal Counsel

**Job Profile**:
Under the general direction of the Business Manager and reporting to the Labour Relations Manager, the successful applicant will join our in-house legal team and can expect a varied and exciting practice that will include litigation, legal writing, government relations work and much more.

**Job Responsibilities / Duties**:
1. To provide legal counsel, advice, and to take carriage of files on issues related to labour relations by:

- researching legislation and relevant case law to ensure that the policies and collective agreements of Local 793 are compliant with the law;
- providing advice to Business Representatives regarding workplace issues and grievances;
- assessing the legal strengths and weaknesses of a given case;
- recommending a course of action to reach a suitable settlement;
- preparing grievances, pleadings and filings before the OLRB, private arbitration or the courts, as is required;
- engaging in proactive dispute resolution and mediation;
- collecting and evaluating evidence to support the position of the Local or its grievors;
- communicating with opposing counsel, the grievor, and area offices as required;
- assisting with the preparation of presentations and continuing education to the organization, its representatives and agents;
- providing counsel and support to the Labour Relations Manager and area offices during monthly meetings, general membership meetings, special called meetings, ratification meetings, etc.;
- representing the interests of the Local and litigating cases through the arbitration process and on judicial review;
- drafting, implementing and interpreting settlement agreements;
- assisting the Local in the negotiation of collective agreements.

2. To support the organizing initiatives of the Local by:

- advising the organizers on legal issues and strategies relating to organizing campaigns;
- providing advice to organizers in respect to representation votes;
- providing advice to representatives on reaching first collective agreements and taking any legal steps to ensure a collective agreement is reached.

3. To support delinquency grievances by:

- reviewing the legal requirements of the collective agreement;
- recommending a course of action to address a delinquent employer;
- approving the grievance documents on behalf of the Local;
- presenting delinquency cases to the Labour Relations Board;
- interpreting the decision and advising of enforcement steps related to delinquency settlements and decisions.

4. To perform other related duties as required, including but not limited to:

- providing direction to the legal administrative assistant and labour relations administrative assistant as necessary;
- providing legal advice on the Local's and OETIO's policies and procedures;
- providing legal advice to the management of the Local on contractor human resource issues;
- providing legal advice to the management of the Local on jurisdictional issues;
- assisting with the preparation of articles related to labour relations for distribution in the Local's publications;
- assisting with the preparation and presentation of papers and appearances before government on issues of policies affecting the Local;
- representing the Local at coroner's inquests as required;
- participating in construction industry and mining industry specific training.

**Job Requirements**:

- Must have a JD or LLB and be licensed to practice law in Ontario;
- Minimum of 2 years of experience post call to the bar;
- A background in labour law would be considered a strong asset;
- A solid understanding of or experience in the construction industry would be considered a strong asset;
- Strong negotiation and mediation skills;
- Solid understanding of statutory interpretation;
- Litigation and/or advocacy experience strongly preferred;
- Excellent written and communication skills;
- A team player who is able to work effectively under pressure;
- Meticulous attention to detail;
- A high level of confidentiality and professionalism at all times;
- Capable of organizing job responsibilities and prioritizing assignments;
- Exceptional multi-tasking abilities and prioritization skills;
- Experience and ability to work to strict deadlines and handle urgent matters in a high-volume environment;
- Copes successfully with on-the-job demands and maintains personal and professional composure in stressful situations;
**Work Conditions**:

- Fast-paced, time sensitive, high volume environment;
- Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals;
- Collaborative teamwork based model.

If you are qualified and interested in this position, please submit your resume, to the attention of the Director of Human Resources, outlining your qualifications and suitability to this position.

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

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