About the Role
As a Professional Standards Counsel, you will play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the profession by overseeing investigations, providing strategic legal advice to the Professional Conduct Committee, and prosecuting complex disciplinary matters. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply litigation expertise in a high-impact, purpose-driven position that contributes to maintaining public trust and professional ethical standards, while also supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Responsibilities
- Prosecute matters before the Discipline and Appeal Committees and before the courts.
- Appoint investigators on behalf of the Professional Conduct Committee.
- Review investigator reports and provide supervision, direction, and advice to in-house and external investigators.
- Collaborate with internal teams on complex matters throughout the complaints process.
- Be accountable to the Professional Conduct Committee and the SVP of Enforcement for decisions taken on an investigation or prosecution file.
- Advise the Professional Conduct Committee and Enforcement team on legal issues.
- Formulate and apply policies and strategies within the Enforcement team, impacting the Regulatory & Standards group and the CPA profession broadly.
- Provide legal advice or other related work product to other departments within CPA Ontario.
Requirements
- An LL.B / J.D., membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and be licensed to practice in Ontario.
- A minimum of 15 years at the Bar with a strong track record in complex prosecution and/or litigation matters.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead sophisticated investigations and prosecutions from intake through resolution.
- Experience with disciplinary proceedings involving self-regulating professions and/or with criminal prosecutions is highly valued.
- Exceptional judgement and credibility, with highly developed interpersonal, advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Proven ability to present persuasively to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders, tribunals and the public.
- Highly organized and strategic, with a track record of effectively managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume deadline-driven environment.
- Digitally fluent with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience managing/leading teams is considered an asset.
Skills
- Litigation expertise
- Interpersonal skills
- Advocacy skills
- Negotiation skills
- Persuasive presentation
- Strategic thinking
- Time management
- Microsoft Office suite proficiency
- e-discovery platforms
- Leveraging technology for legal practice
Location
- Ontario
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 15+ years at the Bar
Education Level
- LL.B / J.D.
- Licensed to practice in Ontario
Salary/Compensations
- $162,100 annually
Benefits
- Industry-leading benefits
- Mental health resources
- Savings programs
- Home office bonus
About the Company
- CPA Ontario operates at the intersection of regulator and membership body, responsible for upholding the integrity of the CPA designation while supporting over 105,000 members and 19,000 students.
- The organization works between business and the public interest, balancing evolving industry demands with standards that foster trust.
- Careers at CPA Ontario offer the chance to shape a profession that impacts nearly every sector of the economy during a time of significant change in expectations, technology, and the nature of work.
Equal Opportunity
- CPA Ontario is an inclusive employer.
- Accommodation is available under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please email accessibility@cpaontario.ca with “Accommodation Required” in the subject line.
