Legal Counsel (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role

We're looking for a Legal Counsel to join our team!

The Legal Counsel is a member of the OCS Legal team and provides practical, timely and business-focused legal advice across the organization. The role has a primary focus on corporate and commercial matters, including the drafting and negotiation of agreements, procurement, technology, intellectual property, ecommerce and general business operations. Working collaboratively with the Legal team and internal business partners, the Legal Counsel identifies and manages legal risk, supports strategic and operational initiatives, and contributes to effective legal processes and controls. This is a 12-month fixed-term position providing temporary coverage and continuity of legal support.

About Your Day

• Provide practical legal advice on corporate and commercial matters, including procurement, supply and distribution, information technology, software and cloud services, intellectual property, ecommerce, advertising, marketing, sponsorships, licensing, leasing and other business arrangements.
• Support business teams in structuring transactions, assessing legal risk and developing commercially workable solutions.
• Provide legal interpretation and advice on applicable legislation, regulations, government directives and OCS policies relevant to business operations.
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear, concise advice, briefing notes and recommendations for internal clients.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including goods and services agreements, technology agreements, statements of work, licensing arrangements, sponsorship agreements, memoranda of understanding, letters of intent and non-disclosure agreements.
• Advise on contract interpretation, performance issues, amendments, renewals, disputes, termination rights and contract close-out.
• Support procurement activities and work with business owners to promote consistent contracting practices and appropriate risk allocation.
• Prepare and review approvals, authorizations, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and committees where legal advice is required, including new products, services, technology initiatives and operational changes.
• Identify, assess and communicate legal risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of legal templates, playbooks, processes, controls and contract management practices.
• Monitor relevant legal and regulatory developments and support updates to internal guidance, policies and procedures.
• Manage assigned legal matters and coordinate with internal stakeholders to support timely and effective outcomes.
• Engage and manage external legal counsel when required and within approved processes and budgets.
• Liaise, as appropriate, with government and agency legal contacts and other external stakeholders.
• Support other Legal team priorities and related matters as assigned.

About You

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a recognized law school.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and entitled to practise law in Ontario.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant corporate and commercial legal experience gained at a law firm, in-house legal department, government, agency or comparable organization.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements, with particular experience in one or more of procurement, technology, intellectual property, ecommerce, supply, distribution or general corporate commercial matters.
• Experience in a regulated, public-sector, retail, wholesale, distribution or cannabis-related environment is an asset.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organization and matter-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative legal team.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgement.

About the Job

• Location: Toronto, ON near York Mills and Yonge Street
• Hours of Work: 36.25 a week
• Employment Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract, Full-Time
• Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000. This is a pay grade 9 role, with a salary range of $110,030.03- $169,081.58. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation, please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.