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 an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
- 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
Reporting to the Senior Counsel/Deputy Regional Solicitor, is responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to Regional Council, 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.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
- Represents Regional interests in strategic planning and delivery of Regional services and infrastructure in area of expertise, including development, construction, governance, municipal administration, and financing.
- Provides advice to Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on a variety of legal issues such as commercial, contractual, corporate governance and jurisdictional issues, legislation and procedures including statutory, regulatory and policy obligations.
- Represents the Region, boards and corporations, in negotiations and dispute resolution, including appearances before tribunals and courts.
- Prepares Committee and Council Reports and advises Senior Management on legal implications of departmental initiatives.
- Ensures adherence to all legislative and common law requirements governing and/or pertinent to the delivery of programs.
- Provides legal advice relating to tendering and contract procurement.
- Supervises support staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs and conducting performance appraisals.
- Evaluates performance of staff for compliance with established Regional policies and objectives and contributions in attaining objectives.
- Retains and instructs external counsel, consultants and other professional advisors, as authorized.
- Consults and works collaboratively with Regional Solicitor, legal counsel within the branch and cross-department stakeholders in an effective team environment.
- Maintains current knowledge of developments in law and their application to Regional responsibilities. Performs other duties as assigned to meet department and Regional objectives.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
- Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Ontario.
- Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum of five (5) years advanced expertise with a public sector organization or firm in the areas of municipal, administrative or corporate commercial law Counsel: Minimum advanced expertise with a public sector organization or firm in the areas of municipal, administrative or corporate commercial law
- Demonstrated knowledge of a broad range of legislation, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to the practice of municipal law and policing and a complete understanding of the municipal governmental structures.
- Advanced knowledge of current developments in the law and their application to upper tier municipal responsibilities, with a particular expertise in municipal or administrative law and corporate/commercial law.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to effectively manage support staff as may be required or directed.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management, leadership/management, accountability, and flexibility/self management.
- Management competencies including results/achievement focus, human resources management, leadership, decision making/judgement, representation and professionalism and job knowledge.
- Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software and internet applications.