Legal Counsel

Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA); Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Generous time off allowances

Accommodations during hiring process

Job summary

The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) is seeking a permanent, full-time Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and representation with a primary focus on litigation and regulatory enforcement. You will support enforcement programs by assessing inspections and investigations, drafting pleadings, and representing HCRA at tribunals and other legal proceedings.

You will independently manage assigned matters while collaborating with the Assistant General Counsel, General Counsel, and

Qualifications

• Called to the Bar of Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum of three years post-call experience in civil, criminal, regulatory or professional discipline litigation.
• Experience with trials, administrative hearings, motions, mediations or other contested proceedings is strongly preferred.
• Experience with professional regulatory enforcement matters and familiarity with complaints and investigations processes is an asset.
• Experience with administrative authorities and the new home construction sector would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation with a primary focus on litigation and regulatory enforcement.
• Draft pleadings and motion materials; represent HCRA at the Licence Appeal Tribunal and other proceedings.
• Independently manage assigned litigation and enforcement matters; work with the legal team on complex issues.
• Brief senior leadership on status of matters and hearing strategy; advise on settlements.
• Conduct legal research and provide guidance on legislative and regulatory developments across the organization.

Skills

Litigation experience

Administrative hearings

Research and analysis

Written and verbal communication

Education

Ontario Bar admission

Job description

We foster a professional home building industry that Ontarians can trust.

The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) is a not-for-profit corporation that is designated by the provincial government of Ontario to administer and enforce the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017 and associated regulations. HCRA holds licensed builders to professional standards, protects the public interest, and enhances consumer confidence in the homebuilding industry in Ontario. In addition, HCRA strives to educate consumers to ensure that they can make informed decisions and understand the benefits of a regulated homebuilding sector. As one of Ontario’s newest regulators, HCRA is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to everyone they serve.

HCRA provides a flexible, hybrid and collaborative work environment, with an array of benefits as well as considerable time off allowances. Additionally, as a mid-sized organization, team members have direct exposure to senior management on a regular basis, and they get the opportunity to work on a range of assignments with significant responsibilities. By joining the HCRA, you'll be a part of the establishment of a growing regulator that is passionate, engaged, forward-thinking and innovative.

WHAT THE POSITION IS:

We are seeking a permanent, full-time Legal Counsel as a backfill. As Legal Counsel, you'll provide legal advice and representation with a primary focus on litigation and regulatory enforcement. You'll support HCRA’s enforcement program by assessing inspections and investigations and providing opinions on the viability of prosecutions or other regulatory enforcement actions. Day to day, you'll draft pleadings and motion materials and represent HCRA at the Licence Appeal Tribunal and other legal proceedings. You'll independently manage assigned litigation and enforcement matters while working closely with the Assistant General Counsel and other members of the legal team on complex, high-risk or precedent-setting issues. You'll brief the Assistant General Counsel, the General Counsel, and senior leadership on the status of assigned matters and provide recommendations on hearing strategy and settlement options, escalating significant or unprecedented legal issues as appropriate. Beyond litigation, you'll conduct legal research, advise on legislative and regulatory developments, and provide legal support on a range of operational, governance, licensing, compliance and policy matters across the organization. You'll also contribute legal advice to project teams and support special initiatives involving legislative, regulatory or policy change.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

Success in this role requires strong litigation experience, whether in civil, criminal, regulatory or professional discipline matters. Your experience should include conducting trials or administrative hearings, drafting related materials, and working with internal stakeholders, opposing counsel and external parties. You'll bring strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage multiple matters and competing priorities effectively. You should be able to identify emerging legal issues, assess their potential impact, and exercise sound judgement in determining when matters require escalation or additional support. You'll thrive in an evolving environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and bring strong tact, judgement and diplomacy to your work. Just as important are strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear, practical advice to diverse audiences.

Candidates must be called to the Bar of Ontario and be members in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. We are looking for at least three years of post-call experience, including meaningful experience in civil, criminal, regulatory or professional discipline litigation. Experience conducting trials, administrative hearings, motions, mediations or other contested proceedings is strongly preferred.

Experience with professional regulatory enforcement matters and familiarity with complaints and investigations processes would be an asset. Experience with administrative authorities and the new home construction sector would be an asset.

Annual Salary Range: The salary range for this position is between $105,000.00 CAD and $150,000.00 CAD (Depending on qualifications, skills, and experience).

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. If you have questions, you can also contact HR at [e-mail]. For more information about HCRA or to view other career opportunities, please visit www.hcraontario.ca.

Accommodation, if required, will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

HCRA is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, inclusion and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against employees or qualified applicants on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or family status, age, gender identity or expression, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your application will always be reviewed by a person. AI is not used to screen, source, or select applicants at any stage of our recruitment process, but may be used in a limited supporting way.

The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. HCRA also acknowledges that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.