Litigation Counsel II

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

Litigation Counsel II

The Enforcement Division of the Ontario Securities Commission investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario.  Team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct.  A strong visible enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, fosters fair, efficient and competitive capital markets, fosters capital formation, and contributes to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. 
 

The Regulatory Litigation team within the Enforcement Division is recruiting for an intermediate level Litigation Counsel to support investigations and litigate breaches of Ontario securities law.

This opportunity is considered to be a business critical role supporting the Enforcement Division.

What’s in it for you?

• Make a difference and have a meaningful impact on investors and participants in Ontario’s capital markets
• Be an integral part of a leading-edge team leveraging an innovative mix of traditional investigative techniques, data analytics, and open-source intelligence analysis to investigate and prosecute complex cases of Securities Act violations
• Work in a collaborative, progressive, and professionally diverse team
• Gain valuable advocacy experience in securities law and mentoring opportunities

What will you do?

• Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, support investigations by conducting legal research, examining files for potential breaches of Ontario securities law by identifying important legal issues, analyzing and evaluating evidence, and assisting in the formulation of a strategy for successful investigations;
• Prosecute Securities Act violations before the Commission and Commercial List; 

• Draft appropriate allegations, liaise with defense counsel and other stakeholders in your day-to-day duties;
• Negotiate settlements, where appropriate;
• Advise on policy matters affecting the Commission’s mandate to enforce Ontario securities law;
• Prepare and conduct enforcement proceedings before the Ontario Securities Commission and Commercial List;
• Work closely with senior litigation counsel to support or participate in complex hearings/trials.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is committed to working to protect investors and foster confidence in our capital markets. Preferably candidates should have at least 5 years of litigation experience for this role and be or are able to become a lawyer licensee of the Law Society of Ontario in good standing. More particularly, we would prefer to see a candidate with the following qualifications:

• Litigation experience in conducting proceedings, preferably in securities-related matters, appearing before administrative tribunals, familiarity with the Securities Act, the Statutory Powers Procedure Act and/or the Provincial Offences Act.  
• In-depth knowledge of criminal law and/or administrative law and/or securities law.  
• Working knowledge of the securities and commodities markets would be an asset.
• Previous experience in the conduct of investigations including interviewing, the use of compulsion or search warrants, data analytics or OSINT. 
• Previous experience as lead or sole counsel on hearings or trials in order to be able to conduct a proceeding without supervision.

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

* OSC Employees: please apply in Workday using the Browse Jobs feature within your Jobs Hub *

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: Ascend Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox [email protected].  
 

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.