Legal Counsel

City of London, Canada; London; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of London, Canada seeks a Legal Counsel I to serve as solicitor, counsel and advisor on municipal legal matters. Focus includes commercial and civil litigation, providing guidance on contracts, by-laws, and legislative compliance.

You will advise City service areas, draft and review corporate documents, and support council reports while monitoring evolving laws and regulations. Leadership for junior staff is included.

Qualifications

• Law degree and licensure in Ontario.
• 3–5 years of municipal law experience preferably.

Responsibilities

• Act as solicitor, counsel and advisor on municipal legal matters.
• Draft, negotiate and review contracts, by-laws and other corporate documents.
• Provide legal advice to City service areas on legal implications of decisions.
• Prepare reports for Council and committees as required.
• Monitor changes in legislation and case law relevant to the Corporation.
• Provide direction to articling students and paralegals.

Skills

Municipal law

Legal research

Negotiation

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Laws Degree

Law Society of Ontario membership

Job description

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Legal Services, the Legal Counsel I position acts as a solicitor, counsel and advisor to The Corporation of the City of London on legal matters.

Focus: Commercial Litigation/Civil Litigation

Work Performed:

• Act as solicitor, counsel and advisor, in all aspects of one or more of the following areas of the practice of law, as assigned by the Deputy City Manager, Legal Services: Administrative, constitutional and public, business, contracts, civil litigation, debtors and creditors, personal and real property, real estate, environmental, municipal corporations and local boards, highways and streets, labour and employment, insurance, land use planning, municipal law enforcement, legislative drafting, housing, municipal election and prosecution of provincial offences.
• Provide written and oral legal and procedural advice to City Service Areas on the legal implications of matters of law, legislation, procedures, operational and strategic decisions.
• Draft, negotiate, and review a wide range of corporate documents, agreements, by-laws and contracts to ensure they are clear, concise and comply with all applicable laws.
• Protect the Corporation's interests by discussion and negotiations with external parties, other levels of government and their representatives. Prepare including reviewing files, researching law, verifying and investigating facts, interviewing witnesses, compiling and drafting documentation. Anticipate probable legal outcomes and present appropriate solutions to staff and others to protect the interests of the Corporation.
• Provide updates, information and recommendations to Legal Counsel II on priorities. Assist Legal Counsel II on more complex cases.
• Participate in development and implementation of strategic initiatives for The Corporation of the City of London to meet Council’s strategic plan and effectively delivering the legal services of the division.
• Provide functional direction to articling students and paralegals.
• Monitor relevant changes to related legislation as well as case law to ensure the Corporation has up-to-date information to act upon.
• Participate in and support a culture of enterprise-wide collaboration. Promote opportunities to work across Divisions and Service Areas in support consistency and collective delivery of services in support of strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Human Rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and ensure that policies, programs, and protocols reflect this commitment.
• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to health and safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety.
• Assist with preparation of reports for Council and various Committees as required.
• Attend Committee meetings as required.
• Support the development of processes and tools needed to increase efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of services provided by Legal Services.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in municipal law, government legislation, regulations and policies with an understanding of Legal Services Division.
• Knowledge and demonstrated skills in drafting legal documents including contracts and by-laws, policy development, business case development, strategic and business planning.
• Proficient legal research skills and knowledge of relevant legislation, guidelines, and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective team member and contribute to programs and services by the team.
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing challenges and emergent issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on negotiation, research, mediation, facilitation and conflict management.
• Proven ability to establish purposeful relationships and work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, management, peers, employees, business community and the public.
• Proven commitment to diversity, human rights, accessibility and equity through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals.
• Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems.
• Strong organizational skills including but not limited to planning, prioritizing, time management and the ability to multi-task.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, and related software and database applications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws Degree and membership in good standing in the Law Society of Ontario.
• Three to five years of experience, preferably in Municipal Law.

Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Human Rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and ensure that policies, programs, and protocols reflect this commitment.

Proven commitment to diversity, human rights, accessibility and equity through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals.