Keeping the Legislative Assembly of Ontario running smoothly takes many talented people, doing many different jobs—from camera operators and committee clerks, to purchasing officers and researchers. The Office of the Assembly is dedicated to serving Ontario’s Parliament.
Together, we provide non-partisan administrative and procedural services to all MPPs, as well as operational support for the daily activities of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Our success is determined by the strength and diversity of our staff and by supporting our core values: integrity, inclusiveness, collaboration and excellence.
As Parliamentary Counsel, based in Toronto, ON, and in consultation with Senior Parliamentary Counsel, you will provide comprehensive legal advice and support services to the Speaker, the Clerk, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (“Assembly”), its committees, the Office of the Assembly and Members of Provincial Parliament in all areas of law.
Click here for a detailed look at the position description.
What You’ll Do
You’ll act with integrity to:
- Coordinate, develop, monitor, and execute the provision of a full range of legal advisory, policy, drafting and litigation services to the Speaker, the Clerk, the Assembly, its committees and Members/staff of the Assembly.
- Create, develop, draft, compile, maintain, research, write and update parliamentary documents, papers and materials.
- Monitor, analyze and maintain awareness of parliamentary, constitutional, and legal developments and reform proposals in Ontario and in other subnational, national and international jurisdictions.
- Monitor, read and assess parliamentary rules, practices, precedents, and other primary and secondary literature on parliamentary and legal (including constitutional) developments in order to maintain general awareness of developments and trends in parliamentary law, practice, and procedure.
You’ll support our collaboration as you:
- Analyze and assess files forwarded to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
- Brief presiding officers of the House, Committee Chairs and Members/staff of the Assembly on parliamentary, constitutional and legal subjects.
- As directed by Senior Parliamentary Counsel, prepare, distribute and communicate opinions, research, advice, and information on parliamentary, constitutional and legal subjects.
- Provide input on proposed Standing Order and statutory changes.
- Advise Table Officers and Committee Clerks on impending events that might have procedural repercussions in the House, Committees or administration of the Assembly.
- Organize, present, and participate in presentations, seminars and meetings on parliamentary law, practice and procedure.
- Along with Senior Parliamentary Counsel, represent the Assembly at certain judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings, instruct (or advise the Clerk on instructions for) external counsel, and vet and recommend external counsel for the Assembly to retain when the need arises.
- Negotiate and work with external counsel, agencies and institutions, as needed, on various files.
- Visit and/or discuss legal parliamentary issues/procedural research with researchers from other jurisdictions.
You demonstrate excellence through your:
- Membership in good standing (or immediate eligibility for admission to) with the Law Society of Ontario and possession of a Bachelor of Laws (or Juris Doctor) degree.
- Demonstrated ability to draft and edit a variety of documents.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new legal topics and concepts within a tight timeframe.
- Knowledge of computer technology systems and software applications to interpret materials and utilize technology for researching, writing, maintaining and updating various documents or databases.
- Good management skills to monitor the work of section staff, ensuring that operations and quality of service are delivered in accordance with established legislation, policies and guidelines.
If you join our team, you can expect:
- A comprehensive benefit and pension package
- A dynamic work environment
- To work with a team of dedicated professionals
- To be encouraged and supported to grow your career through training and development
If you share our values and are interested in this position, select the "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario embraces diversity and, as an equal opportunity employer, is committed to be an inclusive workplace while establishing a diversified qualified workforce. If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please email your contact information to hr@ola.org for follow-up.
While we appreciate your interest in obtaining employment with the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
