Law Clerk / Senior Law Clerk

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. 
• 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.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Drafts and prepares non-disclosure agreements, contracts including SaaS agreements and supporting materials for Information Technology, municipal and corporate matters.
• Administers contracts to ensure compliance with data privacy, security and other contractual terms.
• Review and interpret contracts and procurement by-laws, update legal templates, and maintain a precedent database.
• Prepare draft responses on behalf of IT legal counsel to stakeholders and opposing counsel on matters.
• Identify legal issues and conduct legal research using online legal research databases and other electronic sources.
• Prepares due diligence including searches relevant to the practice area
• Independently conduct, analyze and make recommendations regarding corporate searches, corporate records and documents to staff
• Respond to enquiries, both internal and external, regarding by-laws, renewals and contractual obligations, general municipal and corporate law matters
• Prepare draft reports to Committee and Council on legal matters for legal counsel.
• Serve as a point of contact for requests for advice and by-law and contract drafting requests to coordinate access to and support from lawyers as needed.
• Liaise and provide technical knowledge, advice, recommendations and appropriate assistance to the IT and Cybersecurity Law Group and Department staff where appropriate.
• Provides guidance and mentoring to other Legal staff, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in a Law Clerk Program or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Law Clerk - Minimum three (3) years’ experience as an Information Technology, Intellectual Property or related law clerk in a private or public sector environment.
• Senior Law Clerk - Minimum five (5) years’ experience as an Information Technology, Intellectual Property or related law clerk in a private or public sector environment.
• Experience reviewing, drafting and administering Information Technology, Intellectual Property and other associated agreements, including telecommunications
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset, able to prioritize multiple competing tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Proven knowledge of legal interpretation and concepts, principles and Information Technology, Intellectual Property and AI terminology, statutes and regulations including Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) and Cybersecurity laws. 
• Excellent by-law and contract drafting and research skills particularly in areas such as IT, IP, telecommunications and procurement law are a strong asset.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret policy, determine relevancy of legal issues, identify sensitive and private information, while reviewing client requests.
• Advanced ability to review, edit and proofread procurement RFP templates, legal documents, reports and correspondence
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal government structure, policies, processes and responsibilities is an asset.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in effective planning and problem solving as well as critical and strategic thinking.
• Ability to handle a high volume of files under high pressure, ability to manage and prioritize time sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and assume carriage of files under the direction of supervising lawyers.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.