Job Description

Our client is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lawyer or Partner to join their reputable law firm located in Goderich, Ontario.

Experience in Municipal Law, the successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the field, specifically in areas such as litigation, prosecutions, and expropriation. This role offers an opportunity to lead and manage a diverse range of legal matters related to municipal law, including but not limited to bylaw drafting and review, county claims, procurement, building code issues, civil litigation, municipal liability, real estate matters, corporate/commercial agreements, administrative tribunal appearances, non-union employment matters, county council involvement, and environmental and planning issues.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Bylaw Drafting and Review:

• Draft and review municipal bylaws, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and addressing local government needs.

2. County Claims:

• Handle legal matters related to county claims, including assessing, negotiating, and managing claims filed against the municipality.

3. Procurement - Contracts and Agreements:

• Provide legal guidance and support in procurement processes, including drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements.

4. Building Code Issues:

• Assist clients with building code matters, including compliance issues and disputes.

5. Civil Litigation:

• Represent clients in civil litigation matters, including court proceedings, arbitration, and mediation.

6. Municipal Liability, Assessment, and Support:

• Advise on municipal liability issues, property assessment matters, and provide support to municipal clients.

7. Real Estate Matters:

• Handle legal aspects of real estate matters, including construction liens, expropriations, subdivision agreements, and site plan control.

8. Corporate/Commercial Agreement Negotiation, Drafting, and Closing:

• Assist clients in negotiating, drafting, and closing corporate and commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

9. Appearing Before Administrative Tribunals:

• Represent clients before administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Ontario Energy Board (OEB), Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), and Assessment Review Board (ARB).

10. Non-union Employment Matters:

• Provide legal counsel and support in non-union employment matters, including contracts, policies, and disputes.

11. County Council and Committees:

• Participate in county council meetings and committees, providing legal advice and support on relevant matters.

12. Environmental and Planning Issues:

• Advise clients on environmental regulations and planning issues, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• LL.B./J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in municipal law, with a focus on litigation, prosecutions, and expropriation.
• Proven expertise in the areas of bylaw drafting and review, county claims, procurement, building code issues, civil litigation, municipal liability, real estate matters, corporate/commercial agreements, administrative tribunal appearances, non-union employment matters, county council involvement, and environmental and planning issues.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to mentor and supervise junior lawyers and support staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to contribute to the growth and success of the firm.

Robert Half