Solicitor

Durham Region; Whitby; Hybrid; CAD 161,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

The Region of Durham is seeking a Solicitor in its Corporate Law group, based at Regional Headquarters in Whitby. The role reports to the Commissioner, Legal Services, and focuses on procurement processes and commercial contracts.

The successful candidate will hold an L1 Licence in Good Standing with the Law Society of Ontario, have 3–5 years of legal experience, and provide strategic advice while promoting inclusive, plain-language drafting and timely guidance to internal and external

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of legal experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of procurement and administrative law.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated political acumen and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients and provide strategic legal advice on procurement and contracts.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts for IT, consulting and construction.
• Review bylaws and internal policies and advise management on legal implications.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to protect the Region's interests.
• Provide strategic advice on contract administration, including disputes.
• Advise external and internal Regional entities as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

Policy analysis

Plain language drafting

Strategic legal advice

Education

L1 Licence in Good Standing from the Law Society of Ontario

Job description

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Number of Available positions

Vacancies: One (01).

Location

This position is located at Regional Headquarters, Whitby, Ontario. The department works under a hybrid work model, with in-office days at Regional Headquarters at 605, Rossland Road East, Whitby. Occasional travel to other locations might be required.

Solicitor

Legal Services is seeking a lawyer to fill the role of Solicitor within its Corporate Law group. Functioning under the direction of the Commissioner, Legal Services, the incumbent will be responsible for a broad range of legal matters.

• Meet with clients/stakeholders and provide strategic legal advice on procurement processes and commercial contracts.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts relating to a variety of goods and services including information technology, consulting and construction projects.
• Review and advise management on legal implications of bylaws and internal policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to protect and promote the Region's interests.
• Provide strategic advice and legal opinions on issues arising during contract administration, including contractor performance and disputes.
• Provide advice and representation to various external and internal Regional entities (other municipalities, Durham Regional Police Services etc.)

The successful candidate will possess

• L1 Licence in Good Standing from the Law Society of Ontario.
• 3-5 years of legal experience is preferred.
• Good working knowledge of procurement and administrative law.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present information to varied audiences.
• A willingness to re-evaluate established practices to advance more inclusive and equitable outcomes.
• Interest in clear, disciplined contract drafting, including emphasis on a plain language writing style.
• Demonstrated ability to offer practical and timely guidance to achieve outstanding and efficient results.

Management & Exempt Salary Grade 10

• Salary: $160,824 to $201,030 per annum

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.