Ontario Lawyer - Expert​/Senior

Staff Lawyer – Ontario Region At A Glance

• Location:
  
  Ottawa or Toronto
• Hours:
  
  35 weekly (1.0 FTE)
• Contract:
  
  Full-time permanent
• Salary: $110,000-$130,000 annually, based on year of call
• Program Area:
  Nature
• Reports to:
  
  Managing Lawyer – Ontario Region
• Office Requirement:
  Hybrid (2 days) in office
• Desired Year of Call: 12+

As Canada’s largest environmental law charity, our mission is using the law to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. To achieve this, Ecojustice does three things:

We go to court - Our lawyers represent citizens, environmental organizations, First Nations, sustainable businesses, labour organizations, and any other groups that share our mission.

We push for better laws - Our experts testify in front of committees and make recommendations to strengthen environmental legislation.

We engage the public - Our work highlights environmental issues and changes the conversation, forcing our leaders to sit up and listen.

Our Mission is why people join Ecojustice. People who choose to join us recognize that this planet is our most treasured inheritance, and it is our imperative to be good stewards for the generations who follow us. We believe in protecting the environment while having enough time off to enjoy it. If you are courageous, collaborative, and dedicated to the fight for a healthier environment, you will find your people here.

Joining Ecojustice as a Staff Lawyer means working at the forefront of environmental law on precedent-setting cases. You’ll collaborate with a team of passionate lawyers, advocates, and communications professionals. You have the opportunity to work with experts like doctors, scientists, and community leaders to represent clients including impacted communities, Indigenous Nations, coalition groups, nature itself and others whose environments need advocates.

From applying existing laws to advancing legislation and strengthening regulations, you’ll help shape policies that protect public health and deliver environmental justice. If you’re ready to use your legal skills to create lasting change, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

• Develop and carry complex litigation in provincial and federal courts and tribunals
• Manage new and existing cases from start to finish
• Support law reform and other work identified as priorities for Ecojustice
• Contribute as a Program (Climate, Nature, Healthy Communities) team member by:
  • researching and developing files
  • contributing to development of Program teamwork-plans
  • helping to evaluate projects proposed to the team
  • Keep up-to-date on new developments in relevant areas of law, undertaking reasonable training to maximize expertise
  • Assist program peers in training and maintain the highest practice standards
  • Professional case management and file management
  • Share administrative tasks, including interviewing new staff, supervising, mentoring students, and helping with responses to new case inquiries
  • Guide and collaborate with supporting communications staff to develop communication opportunities
  • Attend and participate at fundraising or other profile-raising events (external/internal)

We are currently working to embed our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation (JEDI-R) into all aspects of our organization. We recognize that strong candidates can come from many backgrounds.

Typically, this level and role at Ecojustice requires 12–15 years of call and significant litigation experience; however, we welcome applications from candidates who believe their combination of skills, credentials, and experience equips them to excel in this position.

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Target of 12-15+ year of call with minimum 10 years of litigation experience
• Ability to litigate cases from beginning to end
• Demonstrated first chair litigation experience in matters before a trial court, appellate court or government tribunal
• Ability to explain legal and scientific information and concepts to the general public
• Experience and training in administrative, environmental, Indigenous or Aboriginal…