Senior Manager & Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation (Toronto)

Senior Manager & Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation

Ontario Teachers’ Enterprise Legal Services group is seeking a Canadian labour & employment and litigation lawyer (4–6 years’ experience) to join our highly collaborative and supportive team based in Toronto. Reporting to the Director & Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation, this role will primarily focus on Canadian labour and employment law matters, acting as a key advisor to People & Culture. The successful candidate will independently manage straightforward employment and general corporate/commercial litigation files while partnering closely with senior lawyers on more complex, high‑risk, or strategically sensitive matters in other areas.

Who you’ll work with

You will work closely with the Director & Senior Legal Counsel, Employment Law & Litigation in collaborating with and supporting various internal and external partners, including People & Culture, Marketing & Communications, Enterprise Legal Services, Investment Counsel, and Privacy and Compliance.

What you’ll do

Canadian Labour & Employment (Primary Focus)

• Provide practical, business‑oriented legal advice and hands‑on support on Canadian employment and labour matters, including employee disputes, terminations, performance management and accommodations, workplace investigations, litigation and grievance and arbitration matters.
• Independently manage routine and moderately complex employment files from demand through resolution.
• Escalate complex, novel, or high‑risk matters appropriately and support the Director in developing strategy.
• Assist in collective bargaining preparation, interpretation of the collective agreement, and grievance management.
• Draft and update employment policies, templates, and internal guidance materials.
• Monitor legislative and case law developments and advise on implications for the business.
• Oversee immigration matters for Canadian and global employees, acting as liaison with external immigration counsel.

Litigation Management (Employment & Civil, Including Pension‑Related matters)

• Manage straightforward employment and civil litigation files with external counsel oversight.
• Support the Director and other senior lawyers on complex litigation matters, including strategy development and risk assessment.
• Assist in managing pension‑related disputes, including recovery matters.
• Implement and oversee legal holds, coordinate document preservation and collection, and advise on related legal obligations and risk exposure.
• Track litigation budgets and support cost‑management efforts.

Operating Expectations

• Confidently manage straightforward employment matters independently.
• Demonstrate confidence in decision‑making within scope of role, while exercising sound escalation judgment.
• Deliver well‑developed, near‑complete work product requiring limited revision.
• Build subject‑matter depth in Canadian labour and employment law, corporate/commercial litigation, and general enterprise matters.
• Build trusted, business‑oriented relationships grounded in clear communication and an understanding of operational priorities.
• Exercise accountability for delegated work by monitoring progress, providing guidance where needed, and ensuring high‑quality outcomes.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative, high‑performing legal team.

What you’ll need

• 4–6 years of progressive labour & employment and civil litigation experience, either in‑house or in private practice.
• Strong grounding in Canadian (Ontario) employment law and litigation procedure, commensurate with your year of call.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing employment or litigation files, including working with and directing external counsel.
• Sound legal and business judgment, with the ability to assess risk and provide practical, solution‑oriented advice.
• Proven ability to operate with a high degree of accountability and ownership over assigned matters.
• Solid stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of seniority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Exposure to grievance and arbitration processes considered an asset.
• Experience overseeing immigration matters considered an asset.
• Called to the Bar of Ontario and in good standing.

What we’re offering

• Numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Comprehensive employer‑paid benefits coverage.
• Retirement income through a defined benefit pension plan.
• The prospect to invest back into the fund through our Deferred Incentive Program.
• A flexible work environment combining in‑office collaboration and remote working.
• Competitive time off.
• Our Flexible Travel Program gives you the option to work abroad in another region/country for up to a month each year.
• Employee discount programs including Edvantage and Perko polis.

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with a disability taking part in the recruitment process and once hired.

Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the country where this role is located.

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