Counsel (Litigation)

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 149,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Defined benefit pension plan

Well‑being credits

Parental leave top-up

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is seeking a Counsel (Litigation) to join our Legal Services Division at the head office in Toronto, ON. This permanent, full-time role involves handling litigation across administrative frameworks, advising on compliance matters, drafting key legal documents, and supporting regulatory policy initiatives.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of public service or regulatory litigation experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and

Qualifications

• Five years of legal experience in the public service, regulatory environment, or a regulated entity.
• Administrative law litigation experience with a track record of complex cases.
• Familiarity with AGCO-regulated sectors and related legislation; administrative law knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, timely litigation-focused legal advice on statutes and AGCO instruments.
• Represent the AGCO in litigation before tribunals, Divisional Court, and Court of Appeal for Ontario.
• Advise on compliance and eligibility matters; draft letters, orders, notices, rulings, contracts, and policies.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders and other agencies on Registrar-mandated matters.
• Provide strategic legal advice to support AGCO operations, policy development and regulatory processes.

Skills

Litigation

Administrative law

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Policy advice

Education

Law Degree (LL.B./J.D.)

Job description

Position Title: Counsel (Litigation)

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Existing Vacancy:Yes

Division/Branch: Legal Services Division / Legal Services

Application Deadline: September 2, 2026

Pay Level: 13/14

Pay Range: Min:$149,307toMax:$205,296

Position Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; (In-Office)

TheAlcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The Legal Services Division at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) provides essential legal services that support the organization’s regulatory functions and mandate. The role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of litigation, regulation and public policy in dynamic and evolving sectors. Our team plays a critical role in preparing legal documentation for regulatory decisions, representing the Registrar in tribunal and court proceedings, advising on corporate and administrative law matters, drafting contracts, assisting with legislation development, and providing legal support for policy initiatives.

We are looking forLitigation Counsel to join our team. Counsel will report to the Legal Director, Litigation.

What You Will Do:

• Provide high quality,timely,creativeand consistent, litigation focused, legal advice on the application of statutes and other legislative instruments administered by the AGCO.

• Regularly represent the AGCO in litigation under various legislative frameworks, including proceedings before administrative tribunals, and on appeals and judicial reviews at the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal for Ontario.

• Provide legal advice on compliance and eligibility matters, including the issuance of legal documents, such as Letters of Incident, Orders, Notices of Proposal, Rulings, Administrative Monetary Penalties, contracts, policies, and other documents to support the Registrar’s mandate.

• Contribute to corporate initiatives and special projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, the public, and law enforcement, on behalf of the Registrar.

• Provide strategic legal advice to support AGCO’s operations, policy development and regulatory processes.

You Have:

• Relevant Experience: 5 years plus legal experience working within the public service, a regulatory environment, or a regulated entity is highly preferred.

• Litigation Expertise: Proven experience in administrative law litigation, with a strong track record of handling complex cases.

• Knowledge: Familiarity with the sectors regulated by the AGCO and an understanding of the legislation it administers. Knowledge of administrative law is preferred.

• Judgement and Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and provide well-reasoned legal advice in complex time-sensitive situations.

• Analytical and Research Skills: Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply legal principles to novel and challenging issues.

• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively in team settings, and engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts and recommendations to a variety of audiences.

• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and evolving challenges.

Job Requirements:

• Educational Requirements: The successful candidate must hold a Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited institution.

• Licensure: Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

• Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel as required.

• Work Eligibility: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.

Why should you join the AGCO Legal Services Division?

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The AGCO is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture that celebrates and promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.

• Supportive Work Environment: We are committed to creating a work environment where every staff member’s contributions are respected and valued. We prioritize opportunities for growth, development, and professional achievement.

• A World-Class Regulator: Join an award-winning, innovative, and socially responsible organization recognized as a leader in regulatory practices. The AGCO is proactive and committed to excellence across all areas of its work.

• Culture of Respect and Balance: The Legal Division promotes a culture of respect, collegiality, and mentorship, where you will find a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.

• Professional Development: We recognize the importance of continuing legal education and offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision care, paramedical services, parental leave top-up, a defined benefit pension plan, and a wide range of well‑being programs designed to support your overall health and work-life balance.

About the AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.

What we offer

The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.

• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.

• Well‑being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.

• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.

• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.

• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.

• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.

Pleasenote thatonly applicationssubmittedthrough the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under‑represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to [e-mail]. The subject line should read "Accommodation in Application – [Position Title]."

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.