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Law Society of Ontario

Counsel, Office of the Executive Director, Professional Development & Competence - contract to December, 2026 (Hybrid, Toronto)

On site

Toronto, Canada

Mid level

Freelance

09-11-2025

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Skills

Communication Time Management Data Analysis Dynamics Quality Assurance Negotiation Prioritization Problem-solving Decision-making Customer Service Presentation Skills Research Social Media Attention to detail Organization Project Management

Job Specifications

Job Purpose

Supports the Executive Director, Professional Development & Competence (PD&C) on regulatory developments, policies, strategic directions, and operations planning, including leading divisional projects and representing the Division in organization-wide initiatives. Provides information and guidance to the Executive Director and divisional management on issues, trends and best practices related to entry-level and continuing competence. Conducts research and analysis on policy issues and initiatives arising from Bencher committees, task forces, and working groups. Ensures the competence framework supports the Law Society’s mandate to uphold high standards of learning and professional competence in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

Qualifications Required

Requires an LLB or JD plus a Class L1 licence with the Law Society of Ontario.
Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience working for a professional governing body, government, legal organization or in legal practice, or similar professional setting.
Professional Knowledge
Solid knowledge of the Law Society Act and its regulations, as well as Law Society policies and governance structures, particularly in relation to protecting the public interest, upholding the rule of law, and promoting access to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Thorough knowledge of policy development processes, with an understanding of political dynamics and proven ability to develop and implement strategies for managing sensitive or controversial issues.
Substantial knowledge of public policy, public administration and regulatory policy processes and procedural issues.
Relevant practical experience in project management (planning, implementation, measurement).
Comprehensive knowledge and use of research tools including data analysis.
Familiarity with consultation and analysis techniques.
Technical Skills
Microsoft Office Suite / 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Familiarity with social media.
Competencies
Customer service skills.
Negotiation skills with tact and diplomacy.
Proven in-depth research and analytical ability, and problem-solving skills in support of policy development decision-making processes.
Project coordination, prioritization, and time management skills.
Business acumen and data-driven decision-making.
Interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and presentation skills. Expressive and persuasive in both spoken and written language facilitating effective decision-making.
Organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail.
Relationship Management.
Proven ability to evaluate organizational capabilities and adapt plans effectively to achieve strategic objectives.
Demonstrated ability to address strategic imperatives and priorities of a regulatory authority.

Key Accountabilities

Client / Customer Service Delivery

Collaborates with the Executive Director, divisional management, Benchers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives that advance operations, policy, and divisional priorities.
Develops policy recommendations and operational plans for the Executive Director, senior management, task forces, and working groups, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with divisional priorities.
Assesses the operational impact of proposals and reports, consulting with divisional management to recommend next steps, including budget analysis, scheduling, resources, and infrastructure requirements.
Provides analysis and project management support for Bencher committees, working groups, and task forces on matters related to entry-level and continuing competence.
Drafts reports, correspondence, workplans, and business cases to support the implementation of approved initiatives.
Supports the Executive Director and divisional management in managing information, communications, and stakeholder engagement on professional competence issues.
Prepares presentations to support the Executive Director in board and external activities and engagements.

Research

Conducts research and develops reports with recommendations on professional competence issues, in collaboration with the Executive Director and internal/external experts.
Monitors developments in admissions, quality assurance, education, and practice management to ensure divisional outputs reflect current best practices.
Analyzes the financial and resource impacts of proposed policy initiatives.
Contributes to the development, approval, and implementation of operational plans and policy recommendations as directed by the Executive Director.

Special Projects and Initiatives

Leads and implements special projects and initiatives related to competence, ensuring staff coordination and collaboration to meet deliverables within set timelines.
Develops project specifications and recommends tools, methods, technology, and resources to support planning and implementation.
Facilitates meetings with stakeholders, subject matter experts, and vendors to advance project objectives.
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About the Company

The Law Society regulates, licenses and disciplines Ontario’s lawyers and licensed paralegals pursuant to the Law Society Act and the Law Society's rules, regulations and guidelines. Created by an act of the Legislative Assembly in 1797, the Law Society of Upper Canada governs Ontario’s lawyers and paralegals in the public interest by ensuring that the people of Ontario are served by lawyers and paralegals who meet high standards of learning, competence and professional conduct. The Law Society has a duty to protect the publ... Know more