Solicitor, Planning and Development (Multiple Vacancies: 1 FT Permanent & 1 FT Contract up to 12 months)

City of Burlington, Ontario; Burlington; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Burlington, Ontario is seeking a Regular Full Time lawyer to provide legal services to the Corporation and Council. The role reports to the Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate, Planning and Development, and involves drafting opinions, reviewing agreements, and mitigating risks in property and development matters.

Represent the City before courts, advise on by-laws and enforcement, monitor legislation, and draft policies aligned with the City’s goals.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate law degree (LLB or JD) and license in good standing with the LSO.
• Minimum 4 years progressive experience with focus on municipal law.
• Occasional non-office site visits may be required.
• Evening meetings may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for and provides legal representation on behalf of the City before courts and tribunals.
• Advises City departments on by-law interpretation, enforcement options, and litigation risk management.
• Researches, drafts, and negotiates contracts and related documents to protect City interests.
• Provides a full review of legal documents for execution by the Corporation.
• Drafts by-laws, policies, and related documents to align with City's goals.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

By-law interpretation

Litigation advisory

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

LLB or JD

Job description

Position Type:Regular Full Time (RFT)Closing Date:November 18, 2026Salary/Wage Range:$139,934.00 - $174,918.00Working for the City of BurlingtonA great career is closer than you think. Come work for the City of Burlington, where you'll be joining an innovative and progressive workplace focused on building a 21st century city that respects the diversity of our residents, visitors and employees; and prioritizes continuous opportunities for you to learn and grow.We don't just spend time attracting the best talent. We spend time and resources to keep the best talent. This may include: flexible working hours, mobile and hybrid working arrangements, a great pension and benefits package, as well as programs to foster innovation and leadership.Employment Status1 FT Permanent & 1 FT Contract up to 12 MonthsType of VacancyExisting VacancyHours of Work35 hours per weekDepartmentLegalLocationThis position is eligible for a hybrid work model. When attending an event or meeting in person, your primary office location will be based out of Sims Square (390 Brant Street, Burlington). Work location is subject to change at the discretion of the City due to operational demands. Effective September 2027, this role will be required to be on site 50% of the time each month.Position OverviewReporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate, Planning and Development, this position provides legal services to the Corporation and Council. Mitigates legal and other risks to the Corporation through the provision of legal opinions, review and drafting of agreements, and related or ancillary services. Discharges functions that must be provided by a qualified lawyer including preparation, review, and execution of documents/opinions in connection with property and other matters.ResponsibilitiesPrepares for and provides legal representation on behalf of the City before courts and tribunals.Conducts research and provides legal advice to City departments and staff on by-law and legislative interpretation, available enforcement measures, litigation risk management, land use planning and development matters, and how to best protect the City's interests.Monitors changes to relevant legislation and case law related to planning and development matters.Research, draft, and negotiate contracts and other related documents to ensure legal validity and protection of City interests.Provides a full review of legal documents as assigned for execution by the Corporation.Draft by-laws, policies, and other related documents to ensure that by-laws and policies address City's short- and long-term goals and interestsRequirementsPost Graduate degree in law (LLB or JD) and member in good standing with the LSO.Minimum 4 years of progressive experience with focus on municipal law being an asset.Occasional non-office site visits required. Attendance at evening meetings may be required.AccommodationsIn accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the City of Burlington accommodates the individual needs of applicants with disabilities within the recruitment process. Please call us at 905-335-7602 or email us at: [e-mail] if you require accommodation to ensure your equal participation in the recruitment and selection process.Note to Applicants:We thank all those who apply for positions, but only those applicants who are invited for an interview will be contacted.