Job Description

Status
Regular Full-Time
Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months
Type of Position
an Addition to Staff
Start Date
Immediate
Salary
Annually
Salary Grade
$173,047.00 - $203,585.00
Department
York Region -> Legal & Court Services -> Legal Services
Location
Hybrid work opportunities may apply - CA

Legal Services - 17250 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 CA (Primary)

(E)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada - and the fastest growing with a population that's expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace - aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program

- With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.

Employer of Choice

- Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.

Benefits and Wellness

- Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.

Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

- We're committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position is responsible for the oversight of multiple Senior Counsel and Law Groups, and the provision of legal advice and counsel to Regional Council, Standing Committees, the Regional Chair, the Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Departments, corporations, boards and related entities concerning Regional issues and projects that have a significant corporate wide impact on legal matters for assigned legal portfolios, that will include Procurement Law and Construction Law.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Represents Regional interests in strategic planning and delivery of Regional services and infrastructure, including development, construction, operations, governance, municipal administration, and financing for assigned portfolios. Directs and provides oversight of advice provided to Regional Departments, corporations, related entities and boards on a variety of legal issues such as commercial, contractual, corporate governance and jurisdictional issues as they apply to assigned portfolios. Represents the Region, boards and corporations, in negotiations and dispute resolution. Negotiates, on behalf of the Region, with external agencies, private sector and municipal partners, provincial and federal governments, and agencies. Manages and provides oversight of the preparation, review and approval of various agreements and by-laws. Provides advice and direction to staff and Regional stakeholders on applicable legislation and procedures including statutory, regulatory and policy obligations. Manages and provides oversight relative to Regional regulatory matters and by-laws, including jurisdiction and enforcement. Advises and briefs the Chair, CAO and Senior Management and provides advice on legal implications of Branch/Departmental initiatives related to the assigned portfolio. Retains and instructs external legal counsel, consultants and/or contractors/suppliers, including providing support regarding development of terms of reference, evaluative criteria and recommendations on retention. Manages claims, recommends available legal options and assists in developing risk management strategies. Assists in preparing, recommending, monitoring and controlling the Branch budget; prepares the business unit annual budget, special project budgets, and work plans. Continually monitors expenditures to ensure compliance to budget and the effective and efficient use of resources. Monitors and evaluates service delivery and develops effective and innovative program delivery methodologies to meet mandates, legislation and Branch and Regional program service requirements. Liaises with and proactively develops relationships with stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of services. Participates on or chairs committees and meetings including Standing Committees, Regional Council and Police Services Board, Branch meetings, task forces, work groups and special projects; represents Region on external Committees, as required. Managing staff, recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, conducts performance appraisals and determining/recommending disciplinary actions in accordance with Regional policies and practices; ensures adherence to appropriate Regional HR policies and legislation. Mentors and develops staff in the subject legal portfolios.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.). Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario. Minimum of ten (10) years' experience providing a broad range of legal services with advisory responsibility related to specialized portfolio assignments on complex legal matters, as well as proven managerial ability including a minimum of three (3) years' of direct senior managerial experience that includes program, financial, budget administration and human resource management. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation applicable to the assigned legal portfolios, Regulations, Standards, and guidelines, including the Municipal Act, 2001 and a thorough understanding of Regional governmental structure Demonstrated ability in the Region's leadership and corporate core competencies. Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present information to a varied audience. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external stakeholders while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships. Council Approval Date
Scheduled Weekly Hours
35
Scheduled Shifts
8:30 - 16:30
Operational Hours
Close Date
November 20, 2025
# of Hires Needed
1
Union
Non Union Staff
.
Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.



All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.



York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.