Job Description

As one of Manitoba's largest employers, the City of Winnipeg is seeking its next City Solicitor (Director of Legal Services) to lead and develop the Legal Services Department. This role will be a fantastic opportunity for the legal and business executive who has significant people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills and who enjoys working and advising on a wide variety of issues.


Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor is the legal officer for the City of Winnipeg and will provide strong leadership and management to a team of solicitors providing legal advice and services to support city operations, as well as the Mayor, City Council, committees, City boards and commissions. This important role to the City of Winnipeg will define, develop and deliver programs and services responsive to the needs of City Council and the City's business units.

As the Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor, you will:

Ensure the provision of legal services, advice, and guidance to boards and officials that constitute civic government, including the Mayor, City Council, City boards and commissions.

Manage the provision of legal advice and legal representation in the areas of property law, litigation and prosecutions, preventive law, risk management claims, legislation, contracts, commercial transactions, human rights, indigenous relations and labour and employment law.

Provide leadership, guidance and direction to a team of solicitors and support staff.

Develop systems and methods for the provision of systematic and timely legal and procedural advice.

Develop, maintain, and implement a system of performance measurement.

Develop and manage the operating budget for the Legal Services Department, ensuring ongoing effective budget management and control of the department.

Your education and qualifications include:

A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or Juris Doctor (J.D.).

Minimum 15 years legal experience in the public or private sector.

Extensive experience at the senior management level providing strategic advice and innovative solutions to executive leaders on politically sensitive issues

Experience in municipal, corporate, litigation, labour, employment, human rights, indigenous and/or commercial law at progressively more responsible levels.

Experience in developing and implementing policies, programs and procedures. Proven hands-on experience in financial management, budgeting, operations and strategic planning. Strong business & political acumen with significant experience in engaging and collaborating with multiple levels of internal and external stakeholders.

Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong emphasis on handling sensitive issues and concerns. Ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Project and/or business planning experience as an asset.

IMPORTANT

: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

The successful candidate must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful candidate possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid. A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer will be required from the successful candidate, at their expense. To obtain Police Information Check information please visit www.winnipeg.ca/police. * A member in good standing, or entitled to be a member of, the Law Society of Manitoba.