Senior Legal Counsel

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is hiring for the position of Senior Legal Counsel. We have two permanent opportunities available to start immediately.

We are seeking litigators with strong advocacy experience to lead contested regulatory matters and prosecutions in support of RECO’s consumer protection mandate.

About RECO

As Ontario’s regulator of more than 110,000 real estate agents and brokerages (often referred to as registrants), RECO administers and enforces the law that regulates trading in real estate in Ontario and enhances consumer confidence in the real estate services sector. RECO’s commitment to pursuing trust in every transaction means consumers can navigate the real estate market with confidence.

A modern regulator with approximately 170 employees, RECO is a collegial and dynamic environment where strategic agility, curiosity and empathy are valued.

Hybrid work environment

RECO has a ‘hybrid’ environment, which typically includes a minimum attendance in the office of two days per week, with some teams/positions requiring more frequent in-office attendance.

RECO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: They aren’t just words to us!

RECO is committed to promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that includes awareness, education, and engagement-building opportunities for all employees.

The role

Reporting to the Director, Litigation and Enforcement, the Senior Legal Counsel provides expert legal advice, litigation leadership, and strategic enforcement support to advance RECO’s mandate under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

This role is litigation-forward: You will represent RECO in administrative proceedings before the RECO Discipline Committee and Licence Appeal Tribunal, and prosecutions under the Provincial Offences Act, 1990 and also advise internal stakeholders on a broad range of regulatory and corporate legal issues.

Beyond litigation, the Senior Legal Counsel contributes to legislative interpretation, governance, and policy development, helping shape RECO’s regulatory framework and modernization efforts. The role also provides mentorship and guidance to legal team members, supporting capability development and fostering a high-performing, collaborative legal function.

Through strong advocacy, clear legal judgement, practical advisory work, and legal strategy, the Senior Legal Counsel plays a critical role in protecting consumers and strengthening public confidence in Ontario’s real estate services sector.

Position responsibilities

Administrative proceedings

• Provide legal advice and counsel on regulatory enforcement matters.
• Assess prosecutorial viability and prepare proceedings and supporting documentation.
• Represent RECO before the Discipline and Appeals Committees, including pre-hearings, motions, hearings, and appeal proceedings.
• Provide legal counsel on administrative actions undertaken by the Registrar, including drafting and reviewing terms and conditions, and preparing proposals to refuse, suspend, or revoke registration.
• Represent RECO in proceedings before the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) and related appeals or judicial reviews before the Divisional Court and Ontario Court of Appeal.

Prosecutions and other litigation

• Prosecute Provincial Offences Act matters before the Ontario Court of Justice.
• Conduct hearings, motions, trials, sentencing proceedings, and appeals.
• Represent RECO in civil litigation and administrative proceedings, including judicial review applications, injunctions, and other regulatory matters.
• Work with and manage external counsel where required. 

Legal advisory, policy and research

• Provide legal advice to the CEO, Registrar, Board of Directors, and internal departments on regulatory, governance, and corporate legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and provide expert guidance on complex legislative and regulatory issues.
• Support legislative reviews, regulatory modernization initiatives, and corporate by-law updates.
• Occasional travel within Ontario may be required.

Qualifications and experience

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum 15 years’ call to the bar with a strong emphasis on litigation and advocacy (court and/or tribunal) and significant experience in regulatory or administrative law, professional discipline, civil litigation, criminal/quasi-criminal (prosecution or defence)
• Demonstrated advocacy experience before courts and administrative tribunals.
• Strong legal judgment and ability to manage complex regulatory and litigation matters.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to provide clear legal advice to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.

Core competencies

• Oral and written advocacy
• Analytical thinking and problem resolution
• Integrity, ethics and regulatory stewardship
• Stakeholder relationship management and influence

Why work for RECO?

Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused real estate marketplace.

What you can expect

• Purpose-driven work: Your contributions help protect consumers and strengthen one of Ontario’s largest and most important sectors.
• A modern, evolving regulator: We are innovating how we regulate and engage with the real estate sector, and your ideas and expertise will help shape the future.
• Professional growth: We invest in employee development, ongoing learning, and cross-functional exposure.
• Hybrid flexibility: Our hybrid model supports balance, flexibility, and wellbeing.
• Inclusive culture: You’ll work with people who care deeply about doing what’s right and delivering high-quality public service.

Join us

If you’re passionate about meaningful work, eager to grow, and want to make a tangible impact on an industry that touches every Ontarian, RECO is the place to do it.

Apply today and help shape the future of real estate in Ontario.

Posting date: March 25, 2026 
Closing date: April 7, 2026
Range: $150,000 to $184,000 

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume specifically addressing RECO’s needs along with salary expectations to Human Resources at careers@reco.on.ca.

RECO is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility.  

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest.