Legal Counsel, Real Estate and Development Law

Njoyn; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Family-focused benefits package

Learning and growth opportunities

Team collaboration culture

Job summary

The City of Vaughan is seeking a Legal Counsel in Real Estate and Development Law to provide high-quality legal services on complex development and land transactions. You will review and draft sophisticated agreements, support Council with development matters, and handle title work for municipal projects.

Reporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, this role requires five years of progressive real estate practice and admission to the Law Society of Ontario.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive legal experience in real estate practice, municipal experience preferred but not required.
• Member of the Law Society of Ontario in good standing.
• Exceptional organizational, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with ability to multi-task under tight deadlines.
• Political acumen with ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Providing a full range of timely, pragmatic, and high-quality legal services to City Council, Senior Management, and staff regarding complex development and real estate matters.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating sophisticated agreements related to residential, commercial, and industrial land development.
• Providing clear and concise advice with respect to all aspects of a variety of real estate transactions with both private and public sector entities.
• Drafting reports and providing advice to Council on general development, real estate, and municipal matters in both public and in camera forums.
• Reviewing and drafting contracts and representing the City in negotiations on various real estate related agreements as applicable.
• Working closely with the Real Estate Department in implementing the City’s real estate strategies.
• Handling all real estate legal matters for the Corporation, including those related to land development applications, capital projects, development finance and complex title review and opinions.
• Managing acquisitions, dispositions, land exchanges and dedications of land to the City, including road widenings, reserves, parkland and infrastructure parcels.
• Drafting and negotiating agreements of purchase and sale, and handling requisitions, closing documents and statements of adjustments.
• Conducting title searches and due diligence, and resolving title defects before closing.
• Preparing, executing and electronically registering transfers, charges, discharges, postponements, notices and applications under the Land Titles Act.
• Drafting, negotiating and registering easements, rights-of-way and restrictive covenants, both in favour of and over City lands, for municipal services, utilities, access and maintenance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Mediation

Presentation skills

Education

LL.B. or J.D.

Job description

Legal Counsel, Real Estate and Development Law

JD#: M224

Job Number: J1026-0055

Job Title: Legal Counsel, Real Estate and Development Law

Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!

The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages

• flexible work arrangements
• a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance
• learning and growth opportunities
• a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued

Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate & Development Law, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing a full range of timely, pragmatic, and high-quality legal services to City Council, Senior Management, and staff regarding complex development and real estate matters.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating sophisticated agreements related to residential, commercial, and industrial land development.
• Providing clear and concise advice with respect to all aspects of a variety of real estate transactions with both private and public sector entities.
• Drafting reports and providing advice to Council on general development, real estate, and municipal matters in both public and in camera forums.
• Reviewing and drafting contracts and representing the City in negotiations on various real estate related agreements as applicable.
• Working closely with the Real Estate Department in implementing the City’s real estate strategies.
• Handling all real estate legal matters for the Corporation, including those related to land development applications, capital projects, development finance and complex title review and opinions.
• Managing acquisitions, dispositions, land exchanges and dedications of land to the City, including road widenings, reserves, parkland and infrastructure parcels.
• Drafting and negotiating agreements of purchase and sale, and handling requisitions, closing documents and statements of adjustments.
• Conducting title searches and due diligence, and resolving title defects before closing.
• Preparing, executing and electronically registering transfers, charges, discharges, postponements, notices and applications under the Land Titles Act.
• Drafting, negotiating and registering easements, rights-of-way and restrictive covenants, both in favour of and over City lands, for municipal services, utilities, access and maintenance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive legal experience in real estate practice, with municipal experience preferred but not required.
• Member of the Law Society of Ontario in good standing.
• Exceptional organizational, facilitation, and interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to multi-task effectively while contending with conflicting demands and timelines.
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present information to a varied audience.

Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Please contact [e-mail] if you require an accommodation, and we will work with you to meet your needs.