Assistant General Counsel (Toronto)

Torys LLP

Location
*Canada-Toronto
Description
Position Overview The Assistant General Counsel will work closely with the Risk Management team (including the General Counsel and one other Assistant General Counsel) to manage risk across the firm. This role works collaboratively with various stakeholders on issues relating to conflicts of interests, client terms of engagement, cyber security, information governance, the rules of professional conduct and other matters relating to ethics and professional responsibility. Key Accountabilities Work closely with the General Counsel, the Risk Management Committee, and the rest of the Risk Management team to assess and manage various risks to the firm, including to research and develop internal policies and procedures relating to risk management. Support conflict clearance processes firm-wide, including by reviewing and managing confidential conflicts, counseling lawyers in handling legal and business conflicts, and assisting with obtaining consents and drafting complex engagement letters. Update standard form templates to align with best practices. Advise lawyers in all offices regarding their professional and ethical obligations. Conduct conflicts of interest checks on lateral hires and manage the exit process for departing lawyers (including file transfer procedures). Review and negotiate client outside counsel guidelines; complete client questionnaires. Participate in designing and delivering training to lawyers and administrative professionals on ethics and professional responsibility as well as firm policies and procedures relating to risk management. Assist with managing insurance claims and litigation holds. Work with Conflicts & Records team to ensure compliance with KYC by-laws and AML regulations; supervise file intake process. Collaborate and liaise with lawyers and administrative professionals in other departments to bring projects to successful completion through mutually agreeable solutions. Research risk implications of new technologies being adopted by legal professionals, including risks presented by AI. Stay abreast of emerging trends and evolving risk management issues within the legal industry and implement firm wide preventative measures to manage the firm’s risk. Participate in various department projects and initiatives as required. Attributes & Experience Licensed to practice law in Ontario, Alberta, or New York, Minimum 5 years of legal experience in a large law firm environment. Superior legal research and writing capabilities. Strong working knowledge of MS Office product suite. Strong client service orientation combined with the ability to manage multiple client needs at the same time. Ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) to a broad range of audiences including partners, senior management, and clients. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and to prioritize competing demands in a deadline-intensive environment. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to establish and build trust-based working relationship with stakeholders. Strong leadership, relationship, collaboration, and consultation skills – able to motivate and direct a team. Ability to consider and incorporate the big picture into actions and decisions. A strong work ethic and professional demeanour. A keen interest and aptitude for technology. Litigation experience will be considered an asset. Fluency in French will be considered an asset. How to Apply: Please address your resume and cover letter, stating your salary expectations to Firm Admin Recruiting (firmadminrecruiting@torys.com). We thank all applicants for their interest in Torys LLP; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. At Torys we are committed to diversity in the recruitment, retention and advancement of our people. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and enriches our lives. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please contact Sophie Jamieson, HR Business Partner.
Posted
Updated
Position
Staff Attorney
Practice Areas
Litigation, Data Privacy
Specialties
Conflicts/Ethics
Experience
5+ years
Employer Type
Law Firm