City Solicitor

City of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Toronto is seeking an exceptional legal executive to serve as its City Solicitor, the Corporation's chief legal officer and principal legal advisor.

Reporting to City Council for statutory purposes and to the City Manager for administrative purposes, the City Solicitor leads Legal Services and advises on municipal, employment, planning, real estate, litigation and other matters of significant complexity and public impact.

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D. and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Senior legal leadership in large, complex multistakeholder environments.
• Experience advising governing bodies, elected officials and executives on legal, governance and public policy matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent, authoritative counsel on legal matters shaping Toronto.
• Lead Legal Services and oversee court, tribunals, and regulatory programs.
• Support decision-making by City Council and City Manager with practical, solutions-oriented guidance.

Skills

Senior leadership

Public governance advisory

Public policy matters

Education

LL.B. or J.D.

Law Society of Ontario member in good standing

Job description

Toronto is Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and liveable cities. Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and liveable cities. Toronto delivers services through a dedicated workforce of more than 42,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $19B. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses.

The City of Toronto is seeking an exceptional legal executive to serve as its next City Solicitor. Reporting to City Council for statutory purposes and to the City Manager for administrative purposes, the City Solicitor is the Corporation's chief legal officer and principal legal advisor, and a key member of the senior leadership team. The City Solicitor advises City Council, the Mayor, committees, senior public servants, and the City's agencies, boards and commissions on legal, governance, regulatory and public policy issues of significant complexity, visibility and consequence. The City Solicitor leads Legal Services and holds overall responsibility for Court Services, including the Provincial Offences Court program, the screening office for the City's Administrative Penalty System, and the administration of the City's tribunals. The legal portfolio spans municipal, employment, planning and administrative law, real estate, transit expansion, litigation, prosecutions and other specialized areas.

The successful candidate will bring stellar judgment, independence, courage, political acuity and a practical, solutions-oriented approach. They will protect the City's legal interests while enabling lawful, effective decision-making and the delivery of Council priorities. They will also lead a large, expert workforce through continued modernization, ensuring that legal, court and tribunal services are responsive, well-managed and trusted.

The ideal candidate holds an LL.B. or J.D. and is a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. They bring senior legal leadership experience in large, complex multistakeholder environments and a strong track record advising governing bodies, elected officials and executive leaders on complex legal, governance, regulatory and public policy matters. They lead professional teams and complex portfolios involving high-stakes litigation, major projects, transactions and other matters with significant public, financial or reputational impact. They are recognized for sound judgment, integrity, political acuity, calm under pressure, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a commitment to public service, equity, inclusion, accessibility and respectful workplace leadership. Municipal experience is an asset but not required. This is a rare opportunity to provide independent, authoritative counsel on matters that shape Canada's largest city.

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and the City of Toronto throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.