Senior Counsel

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time-off policy

Pension plan

Health plan

Well-being credits

Parental leave top-up

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Office near subway

Onsite parking

Job summary

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) seeks a Senior Counsel to join the Litigation team within the Legal Services Division. You will report to the Legal Director, Litigation, and provide senior legal advice in administrative law and conduct AGCO litigation.

You are a seasoned litigator with a strong track record before tribunals and courts, able to lead complex matters and supervise legal counsel, while ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced regulatory environment.

Qualifications

• Law degree with significant relevant experience in the public service, regulator, or a regulated entity.
• Membership with the Law Society of Ontario in good standing is required.
• Specialized expertise in administrative law.
• Willing to travel and hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior legal advice and services in administrative law, regulation, and litigation on behalf of the Registrar.
• Conduct litigation under AGCO-administered statutes, including tribunal proceedings, appeals, and judicial reviews.
• Draft and review legal opinions, decisions, rulings, communications, and related documents.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and representation on AGCO committees and initiatives.

Skills

Administrative law expertise

Litigation experience

Oral advocacy

Legal writing

Leadership experience

Education

Law degree

Ontario Bar admission (in good standing)

Job description

Position Title: Senior Counsel (Litigation)

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Existing Vacancy:Yes

Division/Branch: Legal Services Division / Litigation Branch

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026

Pay Level: 16

Pay Range: $160,293 to $248,407

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

The Legal Services Division provides legal advice, conducts litigation, represents the Registrar before tribunals and courts, and supports corporate, administrative, legislative, and policy matters.

We are seeking a Senior Counsel to join the Litigation team, reporting to the Legal Director, Litigation.

The Role and Responsibilities:

• Provide senior legal advice and services in administrative law, regulation, and litigation on behalf of the Registrar.
• Conduct litigation under AGCO-administered statutes, including tribunal proceedings, appeals, and judicial reviews.
• Draft and review legal opinions, decisions, rulings, communications, and related documents.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and representation on AGCO committees and initiatives, as required.

Who you are:

• You hold a Law Degree accompanied by significant relevant experience working within the public service, a regulator, or at a regulated entity.
• Your membership with the Law Society of Ontario is in good standing.
• You have a specialized level of expertise in administrative law.
• Knowledge of the industries regulated by the AGCO and the legislation administered by it, is an asset.
• You are passionate about litigation and have extensive experience “on your feet”, including appearing before Tribunals, Divisional Court and Court of Appeal.
• You have demonstrated proficiency in the provision of senior level legal advice, from a litigation strategy and operational perspective, on complex compliance and eligibility matters.
• You are experienced in the oversight of a process, the assignment of work to legal counsel and the accountability for the quality of that work and related outcomes.
• You possess the skills, abilities and experience to effectively assume and carry the role of litigation lead on matters in all lines of business.
• You are able to provide senior level legal advice on industry related stakeholder relations issues and communications and media inquiries.
• You possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability in drafting legal opinions and recommendations.
• You have demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement, strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills and excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Your superior interpersonal skills have demonstrated your ability to work well independently and within a team and adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced, complex and ever-changing environment.
• You must be able and willing to travel and possess a valid Ontario driver’s licence.

Why should you join the AGCO Legal Services Division?

• The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.
• The AGCO is committed to a culture of Diversity and Inclusion.
• The AGCO is committed to creating a supportive work environment that respects and valuesAGCOstaff contributions and provides them with opportunities for growth and professionalachievement.
• Unique opportunity to work at an award winning, world-class regulator that is innovative, proactive, inclusive and socially responsible.
• The Legal Division fosters a culture of respect, collegiality, mentorship, and balance between professional and personal lives.
• We recognize the importance of continuing legal education and provide opportunities for professional growth.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that covers health, dental, vision care, paramedical services, parental leave top-up, a defined benefit pension plan and a broad well-being program.

The successful candidate must reside in Ontario or be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

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.

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 groupsidentifiedwithin Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Disability relatedaccommodation 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.