Legal Counsel (Professional Regulation)

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is hiring for the position of Legal Counsel (Professional Regulation) — with three permanent opportunities available for immediate start. We are seeking litigators with strong advocacy experience to lead contested regulatory matters and prosecutions in support of RECO’s consumer protection mandate. About RECO As Ontario’s regulator of more than 110,000 real estate agents and brokerages (often referred to as registrants), RECO administers and enforces the law that regulates trading in real estate in Ontario and enhances consumer confidence in the real estate services sector. RECO’s commitment to pursuing trust in every transaction means consumers can navigate the real estate market with confidence. A modern regulator with approximately 170 employees, RECO is a collegial and dynamic environment where strategic agility, curiosity and empathy are valued. Hybrid work environment RECO has a ‘hybrid’ environment, which typically includes a minimum attendance in the office of two days per week, with some teams/positions requiring more frequent in-office attendance. RECO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: They aren’t just words to us! RECO is committed to promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that includes awareness, education, and engagement-building opportunities for all employees. The role Reporting to the Director, Litigation and Enforcement, the Legal Counsel provides strategic legal advice, advocacy, and litigation services in support of the administration and enforcement of the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA). This role is litigation-forward: you will represent RECO in administrative proceedings before the RECO Discipline Committee and Licence Appeal Tribunal, and prosecutions under the Provincial Offences Act, 1990, and also advise internal stakeholders on a broad range of regulatory and corporate legal issues. Through strong advocacy, clear legal judgement, practical advisory support, and legal research, the Legal Counsel plays a key role in advancing RECO’s mandate to protect consumers and uphold public confidence in Ontario’s real estate services sector. Position responsibilities Administrative Proceedings - Provide legal advice and counsel on regulatory enforcement matters. - Assess prosecutorial viability and prepare pleadings and supporting documentation. - Represent RECO before the Discipline and Appeals Committees, including pre-hearings, motions, hearings, and appeal proceedings. - Provide legal counsel on administrative actions undertaken by the Registrar, including drafting and reviewing terms and conditions, and preparing proposals to refuse, suspend, or revoke registration. - Represent RECO in proceedings before the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) and related appeals or judicial reviews before the Divisional Court and Ontario Court of Appeal, as required. Prosecutions and Other Litigation - Prosecute Part III Provincial Offences Act (POA) matters before the Ontario Court of Justice, including judicial pre-trials, motions, trials, sentencing, and appeals. - Represent RECO, or work with external counsel, in civil and administrative matters including motions, trials, judicial review applications, injunctions, and other proceedings before courts and tribunals. - Draft legal pleadings, applications, and settlement documentation, and participate in negotiations and dispute resolution processes. Legal Advisory, Policy & Research - Provide legal advice and guidance to the CEO, Registrar, Board of Directors, and internal departments on a broad range of legal, regulatory, and governance matters. - Support legislative and policy initiatives, including review of regulatory changes, corporate by-laws, and governance frameworks. - Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda to support the administration and enforcement of TRESA. - Occasional travel within Ontario may be required. Qualifications and experience - Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. - 6–10 years of legal experience, with a strong emphasis on litigation and advocacy (court and/or tribunal), preferably in regulatory or administrative law, professional discipline, civil litigation, criminal/quasi-criminal (prosecution or defence). - Demonstrated advocacy experience before courts and/or administrative tribunals. - Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. - Strong organizational and case management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. - Ability to collaborate effectively with legal colleagues and cross-functional teams. Core competencies - Oral and Written Advocacy - Analytical Thinking & Problem Resolution - Integrity, Ethics & Regulatory Stewardship - Stakeholder Relationship Management & Influence Why work for RECO? Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused real estate marketplace. What you can expect - Purpose-driven work: Your contributions help protect consumers and strengthen one of Ontario’s largest and most important sectors. - A modern, evolving regulator: We are innovating how we regulate and engage with the real estate sector, and your ideas and expertise will help shape the future. - Professional growth: We invest in employee development, ongoing learning, and cross-functional exposure. - Hybrid flexibility: Our hybrid model supports balance, flexibility, and wellbeing. - Inclusive culture: You’ll work with people who care deeply about doing what’s right and delivering high-quality public service. Join us If you’re passionate about meaningful work, eager to grow, and want to make a tangible impact on an industry that touches every Ontarian, RECO is the place to do it. Apply today and help shape the future of real estate in Ontario. __________________________________________________________________ Posting date: April 29, 2026 Closing date: May 13, 2026 Range: 130,000 - $165,000 Qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume specifically addressing RECO’s needs along with salary expectations to Human Resources at careers@reco.on.ca __________________________________________________________________ RECO is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest.