Staff Lawyer

About Us

One of BC’s Top Employers, the City of Coquitlam offers meaningful career opportunities to make a difference within the local community. As the sixth largest city in BC, we are home to more than 150,000 residents. Our diverse municipality is a great place to work as it continues to grow through innovative urban design, inspiring arts, culture and recreation programs, and state-of-the-art transportation systems. Our brand is built on managing our resources in a responsible and sustainable manner, while supporting a vibrant, growing regional urban centre.We envision a bright future in Coquitlam that we hope includes you!

About You / What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a talented lawyer to permanently join our team of legal professionals at a workplace that offers work-life balance and hybrid-working options. Reporting to the Assistant City Solicitor, the Staff Lawyer will provide legal services primarily to the City’s planning, real estate, land development, engineering and project management professionals.

Our team of lawyers play a unique and often unconventional role here at the City. Looking for an opportunity to apply your legal and business skills to impactful, community-based legal issues? This role offers the opportunity to work on land development, municipal real estate and planning matters that directly influence one of British Columbia's fastest-growing communities. Working alongside experienced municipal professionals, you'll provide practical legal advice that helps shape development, supports strategic City initiatives, and delivers meaningful outcomes for the community—all while enjoying regular hours, collaborative clients, work-life balance and a supportive team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Join our team as a Staff Lawyer and advise on a broad range of municipal legal matters, with a focus on planning, real estate and land development.

Responsibilities may include providing strategic legal advice on development applications, municipal land transactions, drafting and negotiating agreements, and advising on planning matters, bylaws, contracts, legislative interpretation and other municipal legal issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from a recognized university and active membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant legal experience.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience advising on municipal law, commercial real estate, land development, or planning matters is considered an asset. Familiarity with land use planning processes, the LTSA electronic filing system and Land Title Office practices and procedures would be beneficial.

What We Offer:

This exempt staff position has an annual salary in the range of $168,338 to $189,357 (2025 rate). The salary range is based on a variety of factors including qualifications, knowledge, experience and skills.

You will have the chance to join a rapidly growing and diverse team dedicated to supporting the local community and engage in a variety of learning and development opportunities. Additionally, there is an opportunity to participate in an earned day off program. This position is based in Coquitlam with some flexible, hybrid work options available. The City offers an attractive vacation and extended benefits package including the ability to contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan.

Accessibility / Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Coquitlam is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer working towards enhancing equitable practices in our recruitment and retention processes. As an organization we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment to support our growing and diverse work force. To learn more about what equity, diversity, and inclusion means, and the City’s efforts in support of these principles, please visit coquitlam.ca/edi for more information.

If at any time during the application or recruitment process you require additional assistance or an accommodation, please contact our team for confidential support. Staff can also provide in-person support if required.