Job Description

Internal/External Job Posting
Legal Counsel, Litigation
The Legal Counsel position offers a unique opportunity to apply your legal experience in a dynamic municipal government setting. This is a newly created position.
As Legal Counsel, you will contribute to files across a wide range of practice areas but will primarily focus on dispute resolution and litigation. You will also be involved in general municipal and planning law, real estate and expropriations, corporate and commercial law, labour and employment law, and more. You will support internal clients from all departments and will engage in legal research and drafting, attend court and tribunal proceedings, assist with negotiations, and help shape policies and bylaws.
Responsibilities

• General. Deliver competent, timely legal services working in cooperation with the Legal Services team and other Town Departments as part of the Legal Services team in the delivery of legal services and development of legal solutions.
• Advocate. Represent the Town before the Superior Court of Justice, Provincial Offences Court, Ontario Land Tribunal and other courts, boards, and tribunals.
• Advise. Provide written and oral legal and procedural advice to Council, staff and committees and others as required. Share understanding of the municipal legislative and factual framework, understand municipal obligations and objectives, anticipate probable outcomes and present appropriate solutions. Process a wide variety of legal issues, including contracts, torts, insurance, municipal law, and labour law. Deliver professional legal counsel by opinion, analysis, review, and research. Formulate policy and advise on policy initiatives. Review, advise, and comment on pending provincial legislation.
• Assess. Prepare, including reviewing files, researching law, verifying and investigating facts, interviewing witnesses, compiling and drafting documentation. Anticipate probable legal outcomes and present appropriate solutions to staff and others to protect the interests of the Corporation.
• Corporate Projects. Represent the Legal Services Division in its relations with other Town Departments and external parties. Undertake special projects and initiatives in furtherance of the Corporation's legal direction and strategic objectives. Work in multidisciplinary teams with Legal Services staff and other Departments.
• Council and Committees. Attendance at Council and Council Committee meetings as required. Presentation of legal reports in closed session meetings of Council and Committees. Review agendas and Corporate Reports. Preparation to provide comments and advice to Council and Committees. Review of Corporate Reports and By-laws of other Town departments before they proceed to Council or Committees.
• Prepare legal documents. Review agreements in conjunction with other Town Departments to identify problems with respect to legality, enforceability, and recommend changes or revisions as required to mitigate risk to the Corporation.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

• Must have a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited Canadian Law School.
• Must be a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to practicing municipal law, including the Municipal Act, 2001, the Planning Act, the Drainage Act, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Litigation experience is an asset.
• Strong research and problem solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work professionally.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Familiarity with legal research and platforms.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites.
• Class G licence and assess to a reliable vehicle.

Working Conditions

• Work will be performed in an office setting on a 40-hour work week.

Wage Rate

• Wage rate will be commensurate with experience and education.
• Full time, Non-union position
• Health and Benefits Package
• OMERS pension contributions
• Annual paid vacation.

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter, no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025
All applications are appreciated; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodation under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will be provided upon request.
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