Director, Conflicts, Records & Risk Management

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.
Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to further your career or carve out a new path.
Under the direction of the Firm’s Ethics & Conflicts Committee and General Counsel, the Director of Conflicts, Records and Risk Management (CRMD) oversees all aspects of the Firm’s overall risk and client data management, including new business intake, conflicts and records management operations. This role supports the Firm’s legal practice and business objectives, and contributes to the firm’s financial performance through strategic planning, budget development, vendor management, and effective management of financial and human resources.
Major Responsibilities

• Overall management and operations of the Conflicts, Records & Risk Management Department and including setting strategic plans, goals and objectives
• Manages the retention, inventory, storage, retrieval and destruction of paper and electronic records, manage litigation holds, manage estate documentation, transfer of matter files, inbound and outbound, physical and electronic, ensuring compliant with ISO certification 27001
• Responsible for the Firm’s new business intake, conflict checking systems, matter openings and amendments, management of critical dates, flag list, restricted trading, know your client regulations, client engagement documents
• Evaluates, develops and implements technology solutions for the management of all records and conflicts of interest workflow systems in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory obligations
• Working in collaboration with the Retention Policy Committee to develop and maintain retention policies for Administration and Client files
• Provides recommendation and oversees implementation of new technologies in support of department goals and initiatives
• Develops and maintains best practices and firm-wide policies in managing business intake, conflicts of interest, ethical walls, lateral hires, compliance and records retention and information governance programs to protect the firm and its clients
• Responsible for the administration of ethical wall procedures to comply with ethical responsibilities and client confidentiality
• Measures corporate governance by monitoring legislative changes, industry standards, local policies and procedures and implements a monitoring and auditing program
• Responsible for all leadership initiatives, mentorship and the operations of the CRMD Team (20+ members) nationally across all offices, and assists with training lateral hires, lawyers and staff on the Firm’s CRMD Programs
• Responsible for the overall strategy and management of processes related to new business intake and conflicts checking processes and systems and the Firm’s information governance strategy relating to the storage and protection of client and firm records

Position Requirements
Education and Experience
This position requires a minimum of 10 years’ legal experience, including a minimum of 5 years at the senior management level, with an emphasis on risk. A law degree would be considered an asset. Extensive knowledge of conflicts of interest principals, information and records management standards, practices, trends and electronic management of content in all media formats. Bilingualism is an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.
Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of laws and ability to interpret legislation pertaining to conflict of interests, records and information management, insider trading
• Direct experience in retention schedule development and disposition techniques. Strong skills in change management, leadership and communication are essential
• Demonstrate flexibility in schedule and requisite time commitment to ensure coordination across multiple time zones
• Proven ability to learn new software and programs and keep up to date with developments (including enhancements to the Firm’s systems)
• Comprehensive knowledge of conflict of interests, records and information management principles, procedures and industry standards
• Proven experience in directing effective processes for change and adaptation
• Extensive knowledge of technological systems and applications including, electronic document management, records and information management life-cycle activities, process, functions and systems
• Being adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment while being highly organized and maintaining accuracy
• Leadership and management skills, including the ability to manage, mentor and motivate staff
• Highly responsive as well as a proactive and communicative leader

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.
We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work partially in the office.
Accessibility and Accommodation
We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.
Background and Reference Checks
Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.
If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.
No agencies or phone calls/emails please.
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