Job Description
Position Title: Counsel
Employment Type: 1 Permanent, Full-Time
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Division/Branch: Legal Services Division / Corporate and Regulatory Law Branch
Application Deadline: August 5, 2026
Pay Level: Level 13/14
Pay Range: $142,113 ($75.39 hourly) to $195,405 ($103.66 hourly)
Work Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; (In-Office)
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
The Legal Services Division at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) provides essential legal services that support the organization’s regulatory role. Our team plays a critical role in supporting and advising on regulatory responses and sector governance, advising on a wide range of corporate and administrative law issues, preparing legal documentation for regulatory decisions, advising in relation to ongoing compliance matters, advising on corporate and administrative law issues, drafting contracts, impacting legislative developments, and providing legal support for regulatory governance and policy initiatives.
Under the direction of the Legal Director, Corporate and Regulatory Law Branch, Legal Counsel will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the following ways:
• Provide high quality, timely, and innovative legal advice on the application of statutes and other legislative instruments administered by the AGCO, including the Registrar’s Standards, as well as the application of law to the activities and operations of the AGCO.
• Provide legal analysis and advice to AGCO officials at all levels, both written and oral, on compliance-related activities, policy development, and legislative interpretationacross the gaming, liquor, cannabis and horse racing sectors.
• Advise on the AGCO’s corporate law needs, including in relation to finance, contracting and procurement, freedom of information and privacy matters, and employment law.
• Provide advice on and support in matters of AGCO Board Governance and corporate compliance with Government of Ontario policies and directives.
• Support and advance the agency’s strategic priorities across corporate and regulatory areas.
• Represent the Registrar when engaging with the public, other government authorities, the police, municipalities, and other stakeholders on behalf of the Registrar.
The ideal candidate will have:
• Relevant Experience: 5 years plus legal experience working within the public service, a regulatory environment, or a regulated entity is highly preferred.
• Proven experience advising in relation to administrative law.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with the sectors regulated by the AGCO and an understanding of the legislation it administers. Familiarity with administrative law is preferred.
• Judgement and Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and provide well-reasoned legal advice in complex situations, including to senior officials, often under tight deadlines.
• Analytical and Research Skills: Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply legal principles to novel and challenging issues.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively in team settings, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and evolving challenges.
Job Requirements:
• Educational Requirements: The successful candidate must hold a Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario or another Canadian law society.
• Travel Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel as required
• Work Eligibility: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.
Why should you join the AGCO Legal Services Division?
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The AGCO is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture that celebrates and promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace.
• Supportive Work Environment: We are committed to creating a work environment where every staff member’s contributions are respected and valued. We prioritize opportunities for growth, development, and professional achievement.
• A World-Class Regulator: Join an award-winning, innovative, and socially responsible organization recognized as a leader in regulatory practices. The AGCO is proactive and committed to excellence across all areas of its work.
• Culture of Respect and Balance: The Legal Division promotes a culture of respect, collegiality, and mentorship, where you will find a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.
• Professional Development: We recognize the importance of continuing legal education and offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision care, paramedical services, parental leave top-up, a defined benefit pension plan, and a wide range of well-being programs designed to support your overall health and work-life balance.
To apply to this vacancy, please submit your application online at our Careers webpage located at Careers | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario by August 5, 2026. Please note that only applications submitted through the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted.
About the AGCO
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.
What we offer
The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:
• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.
Please note that only applications submitted through the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted.
The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.
The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to askhr@agco.ca. The subject line should read “Accommodation in Application – [Position Title].
We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.
