The articling student will work as part of the Legal Services and the Protective Services Team (PST) and provide legal, policy and operational support to the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC) Legal Counsel and other members of the team. The articling student will assist with legal research and analysis, drafting memoranda and correspondence, reviewing legislation and collective agreements, supporting advocacy and labour relations files and assisting with matters involving OPC Members who are facing legal or professional jeopardy. 

This 10-month articling placement is intended to provide practical experience in a collaborative, mission-driven legal environment. The successful candidate will develop research, writing, advocacy, client-service and professional judgment skills while supporting work related to education law, labour and employment law, human rights, administrative law, professional regulation, collective bargaining and public-sector advocacy. 

In support of the OPC commitment to supporting human rights, truth and reconciliation and combatting oppression and discrimination in all its forms, all staff are expected to engage in ongoing learning reflective of their personal understanding of historical and systemic oppression. Learning opportunities may be provided during staff meetings or other sessions offered internally or there may be additional opportunities with which individuals can engage voluntarily.  

Staff who interact directly with Members are expected to apply principles of anti-oppression and human rights and the acknowledgment of identity during all interactions in the context of their specific roles.   

Position Type: Fixed-term contract (10-month articling placement) 

Reason for Posting: This position is to fill an articling student vacancy and support the OPC Legal Services and PST.  

Key Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities described below, the articling student will complete other duties as assigned by General Counsel and designate to ensure the successful operations of the department. 

Legal Research and Analysis

  • Conduct legal and policy research on issues related to education law, labour and employment law, human rights, administrative law, professional regulation and collective bargaining. 
  • Review legislation, regulations, policies, collective agreements, arbitration decisions and other legal materials relevant to OPC Members and the work of the PST. 
  • Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, briefing notes and other written materials for OPC Legal Counsel and the PST. 
  • Assist with the analysis of emerging legal and policy issues affecting principals and vice-principals in Ontario's publicly funded education system. 

Member and Protective Services Support 

  • Assist OPC Legal Counsel and the PST with files involving Member workplace issues, investigations, complaints, discipline or other employment-related matters. 
  • Support the preparation of correspondence, file summaries, chronologies and other materials required for Member support and advocacy. 
  • Maintain accurate records of work completed and ensure relevant information is documented appropriately. 
  • Participate in meetings and discussions, as appropriate, to support file management and issue identification. 

Bargaining, Policy and Organizational Support 

  •  Provide legal and policy support for projects related to provincial terms and conditions of employment and collective bargaining. 
  • Assist with comparative research and analysis of agreements, policies and practices in the education and broader public sectors. 
  • Support special projects assigned by General Counsel or designate. 
  • Provide support to other departments and to the organization with provincial special events, as assigned. 
Qualifications
  • Completion of a law degree from an accredited Canadian law school or equivalent credentials recognized by the Law Society of Ontario prior to the start of placement 
  • Eligibility to complete a 10-month articling placement as part of the Ontario lawyer licensing process 
  • Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and organizational skills 
  • Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, professionalism and discretion 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment 
  • Demonstrated interest in education law, labour and employment law, human rights, administrative law, professional regulation or the broader public sector 
  • Working knowledge of common software tools, such as Microsoft 365 
  • High ethical standards and integrity 
Working Conditions
  • Expected compensation: $1,225 per week  
  • 60% remote work model, with additional in-person attendance at the OPC office or other locations as required 
  • Occasional work outside regular office hours may be required 
  • Other terms as outlined in the OPC's policies and employment contract

Expected Start Date: August 4, 2026 

Application Process

Applicants are asked to submit  

  • a cover letter  
  • a curriculum vitae 
  • a law school transcript and  
  • a writing sample, maximum five pages.   

Applications will be accepted until the earlier of the identification of a successful candidate or June 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. EDT. 

Apply

Our selection team will review all applications based on the criteria outlined above. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence 

As part of our recruitment process, the OPC may use artificial intelligence (AI) or other technology-assisted tools, including those integrated into third-party recruitment platforms, to support the screening and evaluation of applications. These tools help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely align with the position requirements. We do not use AI to make any interview or final hiring decisions. 

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The OPC is committed to accommodating the individual needs of job candidates, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act  (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11, within our recruitment processes and our skills assessment testing practices. Disability-related accommodations during the recruitment and selection process are available upon request.  

The OPC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and values the participation of candidates with different lived experiences. We recognize that the selection of candidates from members of equity-seeking and rights-seeking groups is an asset. Self-identification of membership in equity-seeking and rights-seeking groups is voluntary.