Solicitor

City of Lethbridge; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A city government is seeking a Solicitor to join its legal team, providing expert advice and support across various legal areas, particularly in litigation and employment law. Applicants should have significant legal experience, ideally in public service. A competitive salary and benefits package, along with professional development opportunities, are offered. The closing date for applications is October 15, 2025.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of legal experience, ideally in public sector or unionized environment.
• Experience with Integrity Commissioners or Ombudsman functions is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support civil litigation involving the City.
• Represent the City in administrative hearings and arbitration.
• Provide strategic legal advice to departments.

Skills

Civil Litigation

Labour and employment law

Human Rights law

Municipal and administrative law

Strong drafting skills

Policy development experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

LL.B. or J.D.

Member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta

Job description

SOLICITOR

Legal Services Division

(Full-Time Permanent Opportunity)

Why Lethbridge?

Lethbridge is a vibrant, growing city of over 101,000 people, located just two hours south of Calgary and a short drive from the Rocky Mountains. With mild winters, sunny summers, and access to incredible outdoor recreation, it's a place where work–life balance truly thrives.

As home to the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College, the city offers a strong sense of community, innovation, and opportunity. We are proudly located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy and within the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III, and we are committed to inclusion and reconciliation in all that we do.

At the City of Lethbridge, we value collaboration, creative problem-solving, and public service excellence. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing your legal career, we invite you to join our dedicated and forward-thinking team.

The Opportunity:

As a Solicitor with the City of Lethbridge, you'll be part of a dynamic legal team that provides expert advice to the City. This role offers a strong emphasis on litigation and dispute resolution across a diverse range of legal areas. You will:

• Lead and support civil litigation involving the City, including tort claims, contract disputes, and enforcement matters
• Represent the City in administrative hearings, arbitrations, judicial reviews, and appeals
• Provide strategic legal advice to departments and Council initiatives
• Coordinate with external counsel

In addition to general litigation, this role includes a focus on labour and employment law, supporting various City departments in a largely unionized environment. You will:

• Provide legal advice and opinions on labour and employment matters
• Provide advice on grievances, rights arbitrations, and Human Rights matters
• Participate in collective bargaining preparation and strategy, including attending collective bargaining meetings as needed
• Draft employment-related legal documents and liaise with external counsel as needed

You’ll also provide legal support to City Council, the City Manager, and departments across the organization. This may include:

• Advising on governance, policy, contracts, and procurement
• Drafting and reviewing agreements, bylaws, and resolutions
• Representing the City in hearings and meetings (some outside regular hours)
• Interpreting legislative and regulatory changes

This position may also be considered a development opportunity for candidates with a foundation in legal practice who are seeking to broaden their expertise in municipal law, litigation, and public sector legal work.

What You Bring:

You’re a trusted advisor and relationship builder with the ability to break down complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences. You excel at navigating sensitive or high-stakes issues with professionalism and tact, and you’re known for bringing sound judgment, a collaborative approach, and solutions-focused thinking to your work.Experience working with Integrity Commissioners or Ombudsman functions will be considered a strong asset.

Your background includes:

• LL.B. or J.D., a minimum of 3–5 years of legal experience, ideally working with or in the public sector or a unionized environment
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta, or eligible for admission
• Proven experience and knowledge in:
• Civil Litigation
• Labour and employment law
• Human Rights law
• Municipal and administrative law, including the Municipal Government Act
• POPA and Canadian tendering law(asset)
• Strong drafting skills and policy development experience
• High attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a balanced, strategic mindset

Why Join Us?

At the City of Lethbridge, we offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Relocation assistance if you're joining us from outside the region
• Professional development opportunities to enhance your expertise
• A supportive, respectful team culture focused on public service and innovation
• Join us and contribute to the legal foundation that keeps our city running smoothly and responsibly.

The City of Lethbridge is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce, and encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

For further information on this opportunity, please contact:

Brian Loewen, City Solicitor/Director of Legal Services, at 403-320-3043, [e-mail]

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume with cover letter, directly to [e-mail].

Closing Date:October 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

All candidates are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.