The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.
We offer an inclusive, diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.
The OSC is currently recruiting for Summer Law Students to work in a variety of its Divisions from May to August 2025. Build your work experience through a summer opportunity with Canada’s largest securities regulator.
To apply, please visit OSC Careers and select the positions you are interested in. Submit your application no later than Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
Application Instructions:
Your application must include the following:
1. Cover letter – stating your interest in working for the OSC – one cover letter per application is required – you can list all the business units you are interested in being considered for in the body of the cover letter to simplify the application process.
2. Resume.
3. Copies of your law school and undergraduate transcripts, as well as graduate transcripts, where applicable.
4. Reference letters are welcome but not required.
Please attach the above documents in one PDF, with the naming convention “Last Name, First Name”.
As a part of your online application submission, you will be required to complete questions to provide additional information for the hiring division’s consideration. Please read the questions carefully and be as concise and accurate as possible in your answers.
You will be required to apply to EACH summer law opportunity SEPARATELY. If you are applying to more than one opportunity, you will need to provide one PDF application package for each submission – you DO NOT have to customize your application packages.
Please note that we are planning for interviews to take place the week of February 20-23, 2025.
Summer Law Student, Registration, Inspections and Examinations
The Registration, Inspections and Examinations Division (RIE) oversees the dealers, advisers and investment fund managers that the public relies upon when investing in securities. Using a risk-based approach, the RIE Division focuses on initial and ongoing registration and compliance reviews of certain categories of registrants. The branch consists of integrated, multi-disciplinary teams including professional staff (chartered accountants and lawyers), registration officers (corporate and individual), and support staff. One of these teams, the Registrant Conduct Team, is responsible for investigating conduct issues involving individual and firm registrants, and pursuing regulatory action where appropriate.
The student working in the RIE Division will work with the Registrant Conduct Team and assist with tasks including:
1. In-depth reviews of registrant conduct or other registration-related matters.
2. Preparing document briefs and examination outlines for witness and registrant interviews.
3. Participating with all Registrant Conduct staff in investigative interviews.
4. Participating in written or oral administrative proceedings with Registrant Conduct staff.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has strong legal analytical abilities and an interest in pursuing a career in litigation or administrative law. Our ideal student should have excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and a keen enthusiasm to contribute to promoting investor protection and tackling registrant misconduct. Interest in securities law and familiarity with the financial services sector would be an asset.
Summer Law Student, Corporate Finance
The Corporate Finance division is responsible for the regulation of reporting issuers (other than investment funds) and for leading issuer-related policy initiatives within the OSC and the Canadian Securities Administrators. Our role is to create and uphold a robust regime of issuer regulation that protects investors by providing them with information they need to make informed investment decisions and setting standards of appropriate disclosure and behaviours by issuers and their directors, officers and insiders.
The students working in the Corporate Finance division will assist with tasks including:
1. Analyzing data, conducting research and drafting for policy work.
2. Assisting with the review and of applications for discretionary relief from securities legislation.
3. Assisting with the review and assessment of prospectuses and ongoing continuous disclosure filings.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has very strong legal analytical abilities, and enjoys working on challenging projects. Our ideal student should have an excellent work ethic and communication skills, and a keen enthusiasm to contribute toward the goals and objectives of the Derivatives Branch and OSC.
Applicants must have an excellent academic record and demonstrate strong legal analytical abilities and an aptitude for, and enjoyment of, research and working on challenging operational files and policy projects. Applicants must be able to work independently and collaboratively. Familiarity with, and interest in, securities law and corporate law would be an asset.
Summer Law Student, Enforcement
The Enforcement Division supports the OSC in delivering fair, vigorous, visible, and timely enforcement. The Enforcement Division investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario. Enforcement team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations, and other law enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to deter and disrupt misconduct. A strong enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper, or fraudulent practices and fostering fair and efficient market. OSC Enforcement brings administrative enforcement proceedings before the Capital Markets Tribunal and investigates quasi-criminal and criminal offences related to securities that can lead to quasi-criminal or criminal proceedings in court.
The Enforcement Division is currently seeking Summer Law Students for the 2024 Summer Term. The summer students will assist with tasks including:
1. Prosecutions and other proceedings under the Securities Act before the Capital Markets Tribunal, the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, as well as appeals from these proceedings.
2. Drafting proceeding documents including notices of hearing, statements of allegations, motion materials, factums and closing submissions.
3. Conducting legal research on questions of securities, administrative, criminal, civil, constitutional and procedural law.
4. Assisting with examinations and witness interviews.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for students who are in their second year of law school, with a demonstrated interest in litigation. Applicants who have completed courses in securities, administrative and evidence law, criminal procedure and who have advocacy experience will be given preference. An excellent academic record and legal writing and research skills are also required.
Summer Law Student, General Counsel’s Department
The General Counsel’s Office (GCD) is an in-house legal, policy and risk management resource that supports the Commission in fulfilling its mandate and achieving its objectives in an accountable, fair and transparent manner. GCD provides expert, client-centered, legal, strategic and risk management advice to all of the Commission’s other business units. GCD provides legal advice in a wide range of areas including statutory interpretation, administrative law, securities regulation, corporate/commercial law, information technology/intellectual property law, civil and transactional litigation, procurement law and privacy law. In addition, GCD oversees the collection of unpaid monetary sanctions and provides advice on freedom of information access requests, governance matters, investor issues and conflict-of-interest management. GCD also has a particular focus on legislative reform.
The student working in the General Counsel’s Department will assist with tasks including:
1. Conducting legal research and analysis relating to securities law, administrative and public law, and other topics.
2. Conducting comparative regulatory policy research.
3. Responding to freedom of information requests.
4. Participating in and supporting the GCD’s projects and knowledge management initiatives.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has strong legal analytical abilities, and enjoys legal research and working on challenging projects. Our ideal student has excellent verbal and written skills, and the ability to build relationships and credibility with our internal clients (i.e., other professionals at the Commission). Familiarity with, and interest in, securities law, administrative law, corporate/commercial law, statutory interpretation, contracts and/or procurement law would be an asset.
Summer Law Student, Modernizing Regulation Team
Technological change is constant, often occurring at a rapid pace and in a way that presents both big opportunities and, sometimes, serious risks. The Modernizing Regulation Team in the Thought Leadership Division is dedicated to accelerating responsible innovation, analyzing and responding to emerging trends, and right-sizing regulation in Ontario’s capital markets.
The student working in the Modernizing Regulation Team will assist with tasks including:
1. Developing our horizon-scanning and research capabilities to help us identify, assess and monitor emerging trends and to act faster in our regulatory responses.
2. Conducting research on selected emerging trends (e.g. comparative research into leading practices or new developments in other jurisdictions) and preparing related materials, such as presentations, reports, and memos.
3. Supporting the implementation of the OSC’s approach to the use of artificial intelligence systems in capital markets. This includes supporting engagement with various working groups on AI both internationally and domestically.
4. Examining the benefits of machine-readable securities regulation to make it easier for firms to analyze regulatory requirements.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a second-year law student with strong communication and analytical skills and an interest in new technology, emerging trends and the intersection between these trends and law/regulations. Deeper understanding of the financial services sector and knowledge of capital markets and/or securities law would be considered an asset.
You should have an excellent work ethic and organizational skills to meet deadlines. You are motivated and able to work in a dynamic team environment, as well as independently with a keen enthusiasm to contribute to the goals and objectives of the OSC.
Summer Law Student, Investor Office
The Investor Office supports the OSC in its aim to improve investor outcomes and enhance the investor experience. The Office sets the strategic direction and leads the OSC’s efforts in investor engagement, education and outreach, brings investor perspectives to the organization and leads important policy development. The Investor Office also plays a lead role in overseeing and policy development relating to the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments’ (OBSI) role as the independent dispute resolution service for the investment industry.
The student working in the Investor Office will assist with a variety of tasks including:
1. Providing research and drafting support in connection with Investor Office policy and strategic initiatives.
2. Providing research and other support with respect to policy and oversight of OBSI.
3. Supporting the effective administration of advisory and oversight committees.
4. Attending and potentially presenting at meetings, including meetings of Canadian Securities Administrators committees.
5. Reviewing new content for the OSC’s investor education website, GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca, as well as other investor engagement and outreach channels.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has strong legal analytical abilities, and enjoys legal research and working on challenging interdisciplinary projects. Familiarity with, and interest in, securities law would be an asset. Experience writing outside of a legal context, and in conducting research in non-legal fields, is also an asset but not required.
Our ideal student should have an excellent work ethic, excellent communication and written skills, and a keen enthusiasm to contribute to the goals and objectives of the Investor Office and OSC.
Summer Law Student, Office of Economic Growth and Innovation
The Office of Economic Growth and Innovation (Innovation Office) is dedicated to accelerating innovation, bolstering capital formation, and reducing regulatory burden in Ontario’s capital markets. We help innovative businesses understand securities laws and strive to make the OSC a more innovative and efficient regulator.
The student working in the Innovation Office will assist with tasks including:
1. Conducting research (e.g. comparative research into leading practices or new developments in other jurisdictions) and preparing related materials, such as presentations, reports, and memos.
2. Supporting our OSC LaunchPad support program and OSC TestLab as well as engaging with the innovation community.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a second-year law student with strong communication and analytical skills and an interest in new technology, start-ups, and the intersection between technology and law/regulations. Deeper understanding of the financial services sector and knowledge of capital markets and/or securities law would be considered an asset.
You should have an excellent work ethic and organizational skills to meet deadlines. You are motivated and able to work in a dynamic team environment, as well as independently with a keen enthusiasm to contribute to the goals and objectives of the Innovation Office and the OSC.
Summer Law Student, Trading & Markets
The Trading and Markets Division is responsible for regulating market infrastructure entities in Ontario, such as marketplaces, self-regulatory organizations (SROs), protection funds and clearing agencies as well as overseeing derivatives regulation and dealer policy development and implementation. The Division also develops policy relating to market structure, clearing and settlement and fixed income.
The student working in the TM will work with the Derivatives, SRO, Clearing and Markets Teams and assist with tasks including:
1. The oversight of marketplaces including making recommendations with respect to how they are complying with Ontario securities laws and applicable recognition or approval orders.
2. Developing policy related to both market structure and dealer regulation.
3. Assessing compliance of CIRO and CIPF with Ontario securities law.
4. Analyzing and developing recommendations concerning rules and other applicable policy initiatives proposed by CIRO and CIPF.
5. Monitor developments in market structure and member regulation and the capital markets generally.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has strong legal analytical abilities and an interest in pursuing a career in capital markets, financial services and/or securities regulatory law. Our ideal student should have excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and an ability to strategically assess the impact of various regulatory actions and balance regulatory objectives with practical business considerations.
Summer Law Student, Contact Inquiries Center
The OSC created a dedicated Investor Office with an aim to achieve better investor outcomes. The Office sets the strategic direction and leads the OSC’s efforts in investor engagement, education, outreach and research. The Investor Office also brings investor perspectives to the organization and leads important policy development. To support this work, the Investor Office uses research and behavioural science to test policy proposals and explore how emerging capital market trends are affecting retail. The division also supports both investors and market participants through the Inquiries and Contact Centre.
The student working in the Inquiries and Contact Centre will assist with tasks including but not limited to:
1. Providing legal research skills for the review, maintenance, and development of legal reference documents as they pertain to Ontario securities law, for use by the Inquiries and Contact Centre.
2. Providing legal analysis support to the Inquiries and Contact Centre team in the response to and resolution of inquiries and complaints.
3. Support management in reporting quarterly and monthly results shared with other departments within the Commission.
4. Assisting the Inquiries and Contact Centre with selected written replies to market participants (issuers, dealers and insiders) and investors (including victims of fraud) that require focused legal analysis.
Role Requirements:
We are looking for a student who is in their second year of law school, has strong legal analytical abilities, enjoys legal research and working on challenging interdisciplinary projects. Familiarity with, and interest in, securities law would be an asset.
Our ideal student should have an excellent work ethic, strong communication and written skills and a keen enthusiasm to contribute to the goals and objectives of the Inquiries and Contact Centre and the OSC.
Note: The summer law student role is eligible for hybrid work and as per the OSC’s hybrid policy, requires a minimum of 3 days/week working from the office at 20 Queen Street West in Toronto.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.
Inclusion and Diversity at the OSC
The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups, including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQ2S community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.
The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: BlackNorth Initiative, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and Pride at Work Canada.
Accommodation
If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.
Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.
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