Description:
The Legal Researcher and Analyst will lead and support NIA’s legal, legislative and regulatory research and analysis and provide leadership to the NIA’s work to advance the human rights of older adults through research, advocacy, law reform, and, where appropriate, strategic litigation and public legal education. This role will be a part of the policy team and will work closely with the NIA’s Policy Analysts, Survey Research Manager and will also supervise the NIA’s Articling Student. As part of a broader cross-functional team across the entire organization, the Legal Researcher & Analyst will collaborate with other functional teams to support the NIA’s broader policy development and advocacy efforts.
Job Responsibilities
- Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments at the municipal, provincial, federal and international level related to the mandate and policy priorities of the NIA.
- Leading and contributing to advancing the NIA’s mandate and policy priorities by researching and analyzing legislative, regulatory and jurisprudential developments and developing various law reform proposals.
- Leading and contributing to written reports, briefing notes and submissions on legal and regulatory issues related to the NIA’s policy priorities.
- Monitoring international human rights and legal developments related to ageing and older adults, and supporting the NIA in engaging in international spaces and mechanisms to advance the rights of older persons.
- Providing sound and strategic analysis to management on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters related to NIA’s mandate, as well as other related initiatives at the municipal, provincial and federal government level.
- Representing the NIA at meetings with a variety of stakeholders and policy-makers in order to advance the NIA’s mandate and policy priorities
- Participating in consultations, deputations and other opportunities to interact with government officials.
- Maintaining a current understanding of academic legal research relevant to the NIA’s mandate and policy priorities.
- Developing a comprehensive law reform and litigation strategy to support NIA’s mandate and policy priorities; identifying, developing and coordinating cases selected for litigation, conducting legal and policy research, drafting submissions where appropriate.
- Leading a variety of law reform and law related projects.
- Developing and drafting funding applications to secure necessary resources to support the NIA’s law reform and legal advocacy work.
- Serving as the Principal to the NIA’s Articling Student by providing direct supervision and mentorship to them, ensuring compliance with LSO Articling Student program requirements.
- Collaborating with the communications team to develop communications products related to the NIA’s law reform work, mandate and policy priorities for a variety of audiences. Participate in a variety of communications activities including presentations, workshops, media and others.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Policy and Executive Director
Qualifications
- Lawyer called to the Bar of Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Undergraduate degree in public policy, politics, public health, gerontology or another area relevant to the NIA’s mandate and policy priorities.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in Ontario in the previous 5 years.
- Strong understanding of legal and policy issues relating to older adults and ageing in Canada.
- Experience managing client files.
- Strong time management and file management skills, including sound knowledge of work planning.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Working proficiency in French is an asset.
- Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
- Experience managing complex projects and collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to work professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, medical professionals, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and others.