POSITION PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Director of the Program, CCP Legal Counsel support deliberations and ensure the implementation of decisions made by the independent Expert Panels on funding applications submitted by members of the public and civil society organizations. Given the CCP’s purpose and criteria, test cases eligible for funding usually situate themselves at the leading edge of constitutional law in Canada. Counsel review, summarize, and analyze funding applications to advise on how they might advance and clarify existing law and provide legal advice and recommendations on their eligibility under the CCP’s criteria. Counsel act as the primary point of contact for applicants, funding recipients, and the public, including by answering questions, communicating Expert Panel decisions, drafting and implementing funding agreements and managing funded files, while ensuring compliance with the Contribution Agreement, funding agreements and CCP policies.

• Please submit a cover letter along with your resume.
• We work in a hybrid environment and work on campus three days per week.
• The posting will remain open until the role is filled.

IN THIS ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Selection process for funding applications: Support the deliberations of the Expert Panels by summarizing and analyzing, from a legal standpoint, all funding applications submitted to the CCP and providing recommendations. This includes acting as the primary point of contact for those seeking to submit applications.
• File management: Ongoing management of a large number of funded files. Ensure that the funding agreements are understood and that funding recipients fulfill their obligations. Carefully analyze invoices, decide on and communicate about the eligibility of the expenses billed, and recover unused funds.
• Legal expertise: Maintain and update knowledge and expertise in the areas of official language rights, human rights, and Canadian constitutional law. CCP legal counsel are expected to not only have a solid understanding of applicable law and jurisprudence, but also the legal context in which issues are raised. Financial support is provided for continuing professional development (CPD).
• Public point of contact: Answer questions from the general public about the CCP and its application processes. Consult on and assist in the drafting of communications aiming to inform the Canadian public about the Program’s objectives and processes.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE:

• Membership in good standing of the Ontario Bar (or able and willing to transfer to the Ontario Bar).
• At least 3 year’s experience in the practice of law, preferably in the area of official language rights or constitutional human rights. For this round of hiring, we will be particularly interested in candidates who have a demonstrated interest in, and ideally experience with, official language rights in Canada.
• Strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, in both French and English. A high level of bilingualism, is essential in this role.
• Enthusiasm for working at the leading edge of Canadian constitutional law, including the ability to adapt to changes in the legal landscape.
• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice.
• Knowledge of or experience with those served by the CCP, including equality-seeking and historically disadvantaged groups and individuals and/or official language minority communities.
• Ability to work autonomously to manage a significant workload, including competing obligations often within strict timelines. However, it should be noted that CCP legal counsel are not routinely expected to work beyond ordinary business hours.
• Excellent professional judgment, including the ability to discern when to take initiative and when to consult others.
• Ability to respectfully navigate difficult conversations, sometimes with vulnerable or traumatized individuals.
• Well-developed skills in reasoning and critical analysis, as well as the capacity to synthesize and present information effectively.
• Ability to foster relationships of trust and confidence with colleagues, the Expert Panels, Program users, and the general public.
• Compliance with the highest standards of professional ethics, particularly with respect to confidentiality, integrity, and financial diligence.
  

  LI-MB1