The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is hiring for the position of Senior Legal Counsel — with two permanent opportunities available for immediate start.
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 setting
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 usRECO 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:

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.
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 advocacyAnalytical thinking & problem resolutionIntegrity, ethics & regulatory stewardshipStakeholder relationship management & influenceWhy work for RECO?
Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fai

📌 Senior Legal Counsel (Toronto)
🏢 Real Estate Council of Ontario
📍 Toronto