Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an opening for a Human Resources Consultant to support our Business Services groups in our Toronto office.

Reporting to the Director, Legal Support Services, the Human Resources Consultant, Business Services serves as a trusted strategic advisor and collaborative partner to leaders across the Toronto office’s business services functions. The HR Consultant plays an integral role in fostering employee engagement, enhancing team effectiveness, and supporting efficient day-to-day operations, particularly in complex, high-impact, or sensitive situations.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Advise leaders on employee relations, team structure, staffing needs and people management. Coach leaders to help bring out the best in their teams and enhance team effectiveness, performance and accountability. Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and Firm policies, assessing and mitigating risk as appropriate. Help with staffing plans, budgets and resource allocation, supporting business knowledge and risk analysis. Lead the resolution of complex employee relations issues, balancing business needs, risk and fairness. Advise on workplace matters, including accommodations, disability management and return-to-work processes. Work with internal teams, senior people leaders and/or lawyers on sensitive or high-risk matters. Work closely with the recruitment team on recruitment initiatives to attract high quality talent through effective hiring strategies in order to meet resourcing needs. Support the implementation and delivery of HR programs within the business services departments while ensuring alignment with Firm policies and employment legislation. Contribute to improvements in HR and operational practices to improve efficiency.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

Post-secondary education in human resources, business or a related field is required. CHRP or CHRL designation is preferred. A minimum of 10 years of experience in an HR business partner or advisory role. Experience supporting corporate or professional services teams; experience in a law firm or other professional services environment is considered an asset.

Skills/Abilities

Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation and HR best practices. Business acumen and ability to align HR with operational priorities. Strong relationship-building and influencing skills. Ability to coach and advise leaders effectively. Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality. Sound judgment in complex, sensitive and ambiguous situations. Ability to balance business objectives with legal, ethical and employee considerations. Ability to anticipate and mitigate organizational and people-related risk. Ability to provide clear, practical recommendations to support decision-making.

Compensation

The anticipated annual salary for the Human Resources Consultant, Business Services position is $100,000 – $135,00. Salary levels will be determined commensurate with internal equity, market equity and experience.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including your cover letter and résumé, directly to our application portal.

Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Other Relevant Application Information

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with shortlisting, screening and evaluating applications.

Who We Are

At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.