Legal Counsel, Real Estate & Planning Law (Planning Lawyer)

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Legal Counsel, Real Estate & Planning Law (Planning Lawyer)

DEPARTMENT : Legislative Services

POSTING NUMBER : 106264

NUMBER OF POSITIONS : 1

JOB STATUS & DURATION : Full Time Permanent

HOURS OF WORK : 35 hour workweek

LOCATION : Hybrid Model* when working onsite, you will report to the location of West Tower.

SALARY GRADE : 9

HIRING SALARY RANGE : $139,158.00 - $156,553.00 per annum (Salary will be commensurate with experience and Market premium may be applicable)

MAXIMUM OF SALARY RANGE : $173,947.00 per annum

JOB TYPE : Management and Administration

POSTING DATE : August 30, 2024

CLOSING DATE : September 20, 2024

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY :

Reporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, this position is that of a municipal solicitor responsible for the provision of legal services, including opinions and advice to the Corporation and its Departments to keep the Corporation secure in its legal position and compliant with its legal obligations.

General. Deliver competent, timely legal services working in cooperation with Legal Services staff and City Departments as a municipal legal counsel to the Corporation.

Perform collaboratively with client Departments as part of the Legal Services team in the delivery of legal services and development of legal solutions.

Advise. Provide written and oral legal and procedural advice to Council, staff and committees and others as required. Assist staff in drafting and interpreting municipal by-laws.

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 issues including contracts, real estate, construction, commercial matters, taxation, procurement, planning and development.

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.

Prepare legal documents. Draft, review and advise on contracts, including agreements that relate to land development. Conduct due diligence, review searches and prepare required documentation for transactions in the acquisition, disposal and expropriation of property included leases and related documents.

Review title searches and environmental studies. Recognize legislative and factual framework when preparing documentation so municipal obligations are achieved and appropriate solutions can be implemented.

Review agreements in conjunction with other City Departments to identify problems with respect to legality, enforceability and recommend changes or revisions as required to mitigate risk to the Corporation.

Negotiate. Protect the Corporation’s interests by discussion and negotiation with external parties, other levels of government, and their representatives.

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.

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 City departments before they proceed to Council or Committees.

Corporate Projects. Represent the Legal Services Division in its relations with other City 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, both in leadership and support roles as required.

Advocate. Represent the City before the Ontario Land Tribunal and other boards and tribunals.

SELECTION CRITERIA : EDUCATION :

EDUCATION :

• Law degree and call to Ontario Bar, with demonstrated interest in municipal and real estate, commercial and development law.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE :

3-5 years related work experience, preferably in the municipal field

OTHER SKILLS AND ASSETS :

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Municipal or Planning Law.
• Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), Local Planning and Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) or Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) experience.
• Exceptional communication skills and superior report writing
• Ability to prepare argument and successfully negotiate resolutions
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite software and online legal research

Various tests and / or exams may be administered as part of the selection criteria.

Interview : Our recruitment process may be completed with video conference technology.