City Solicitor

Lead with Integrity. Advise Strategically. Strengthen Our Community.

At the City of Thunder Bay, Our City Runs on People Like You. Together, we are building a workplace where everyone belongs—where your legal expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to public service help guide sound decision-making and support the delivery of essential municipal services.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and senior administration. You will provide strategic legal guidance on complex matters affecting the Corporation while leading a dedicated team responsible for legal services, litigation, governance, insurance and claims management, prosecutions, and risk management.

Thunder Bay offers more than a fulfilling career. With its natural beauty, affordability, and strong sense of community, it’s a city where you can grow personally and professionally.

Where You’ll Make a Difference Every Day

As the City Solicitor, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping decisions that impact our community today and into the future. You will help safeguard the Corporation’s interests, support effective governance, and provide practical legal advice that enables City Council and administration to confidently advance strategic priorities.

Whether you live in Thunder Bay, you’re looking to return, or excited to make the City your new home, join a team where your skills, expertise, and presence is recognized, and make a real impact to our community.

How You’ll Support the Team

In this role, you will provide strategic legal leadership to the Corporation while supporting Council, administration, and the Executive Leadership Team in achieving organizational objectives. You will also have the following accountabilities:

• Provide strategic legal advice on a broad range of municipal matters, including governance, planning, development, procurement, contracts, risk management, liability, and administrative law.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and senior leadership by supporting informed, transparent, and accountable decision‑making.
• Lead the delivery of legal services to the Corporation, including litigation management, contract review and negotiation, prosecutions, insurance administration, and claims management.
• Represent or oversee the City’s representation before courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies, and other proceedings, including the retention and management of external legal counsel where appropriate.
• Lead and manage the Legal Services Division, including strategic planning, service delivery, financial management, workforce planning, talent development, and operational excellence.
• Oversee the City’s corporate insurance program and provide strategic direction in the management and resolution of insured and uninsured claims.
• Contribute as a member of the Executive Leadership Team by providing leadership on corporate strategy, major projects, policy development, organizational change, and emerging risks affecting municipal government.

What You Can Count On With Us

We’re proud to offer a workplace where your well‑being, growth, and sense of purpose come first. As the City Solicitor, you’ll enjoy:

• A competitive salary that reflects your expertise
• A matching pension plan to help you build long‑term financial security
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage, plus life insurance for peace of mind
• Generous paid vacation and holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave days when you need more time off
• Access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall health
• Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs, so you can continue to grow your skills and career
• A culture of recognition and appreciation, with staff events and programs that celebrate your contributions
• The opportunity to lead a dedicated and talented team, who are highly respected within the Corporation

What You’ll Bring to the Team

Here’s what will help you succeed as the City Solicitor:

• Law degree, through either a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
• Bar admission and member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
• Ten years’ progressive varied law experience, preferably in a municipal or other public sector law environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, case law, municipal government organization and structure, administrative law principles, industry standards, and emerging issues affecting Ontario municipalities.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Your Privacy

The City of Thunder Bay is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We are committed to a recruitment process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier‑free.

If you need an accommodation during any part of the recruitment process, let us know — we will work with you to meet your needs.

For privacy and fairness, please do not include photos, ID cards, driver’s licences, or police record checks with your application. These documents will only be requested if you’re successful.

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