Team Lead, Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC)

This Discrimination and Harassment Counsel Team Lead is not an employee position with the Law Society of Ontario. The DHC program operates at arms length from the Law Society and functions independently in the provision of confidential advice and assistance. While the DHC Team Lead is appointed by Convocation the role is independent of the Law Societys regulatory complaints and discipline functions.

The Law Society of Ontario is seeking a Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC) Team Lead to provide confidential advice and assistance to individuals who may have experienced discrimination or harassment by a lawyer or paralegal licensee.

The DHC program was established to support the Law Societys commitment to equity human rights and public confidence in the legal professions. The DHC Team Lead plays a central role in delivering this mandate combining direct client service with program leadership and collaboration.

The DHC Team Lead is appointed by Convocation following a recruitment process conducted by the Equity and Indigenous Affairs Committee. The appointment is for a term of up to three years and is eligible for reappointment.

This is a part-time position serving individuals across Ontario.

Hours will vary depending on client needs file activity and program priorities. This part-time position is intended to complement an existing practice or professional commitments rather than function as full-time employment.

The DHC Team Lead provides confidential independent assistance to members of the public licensees licensing candidates law students and others who believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment by a lawyer or paralegal.

In addition to individual client work the DHC Team Lead supports the effective functioning of the DHC program as a whole.

Qualifications/Experience Required:

Licensed lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario with a minimum of 15 years of experience in human rights employment law or an equivalent area.
Strong leadership skills including the ability to support program delivery manage multiple files and support and collaborate with the other DHCs and the paralegal Discrimination & Harassment Educator.
Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally sensitive guidance and their options to those who have experienced discrimination or harassment.
Ability to identify systemic issues of discrimination and make recommendations about policies programs and services to promote non-discrimination.
Strong understanding of equity diversity inclusion intersectionality and accessibility and how these issues affect equity-seeking communities.
Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work respectfully with equity-seeking and marginalized communities.
Proven ability and experience in applying alternative dispute resolution techniques including mediation complaint investigations and legal actions through courts.
Knowledge of and experience in human rights legislation including jurisprudence and best practices.
Knowledge of the LSO complaint procedure and discipline process.
Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and Paralegal Rules of Conduct.
Knowledge of Indigenous ways of thinking and of the Indigenous community.
Excellent oral written and presentation skills.
Ability to converse in English and French is an asset.

*By submitting your application you agree to a clearance check of your regulatory history with the Law Society and to the use of this information in assessing suitability for appointment by the Law Society.

The working arrangement for this position has been classified as hybrid where you will regularly flex your work location between home and office. The specific application of this will be communicated to applicants contacted during the recruitment process.

The Law Society of Ontario values and respects diversity. We are committed to creating an accessible barrier-free and inclusive workplace in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know of any accommodation needs during the recruitment process when you are contacted. If you are unable to apply to this position due to the requirement for an accommodation of any kind please email us at or call .