Associate Solicitor – Municipal Law

at  The City of Guelph

Why Guelph:
When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialties within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of an undergraduate degree and law degree (J.D. / LL.B. or equivalent).
• Experience practicing municipal law, preferably at a municipality or a law firm representing municipalities.
• Licensed to practice law in Ontario and a lawyer licensee in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to resolve inquiries in an effective manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff, a variety of stakeholders, including senior management, City Council, and external stakeholders / general public.
• Demonstrated business and political acumen.
• Ability to accurately scope out length and difficulty of issues and set priorities.
• Ability to explain / present complex ideas in a clear and understandable fashion, and influence others.
• Ability to provide clear direction to others and comfortably delegate tasks.
• Demonstrated understanding of the key industry trends and legislative changes and the ability to develop legal strategies accordingly.
• Creative and innovative problem solver with the ability to handle complex and sensitive issues.
• Excellent research, analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments in order to meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of municipal legislation, regulations and by-laws.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
• Experience working on labour and employment law matters is an asset.
• Experience in environmental law would be considered an asset.
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Provide competent and timely legal advice and opinions on a wide range of matters, in response to the needs of City Council and all City Departments and work collaboratively in developing legal solutions.
• Prepare, review and negotiate a variety of legal documents including contracts and agreements (e.g., services, funding, financing, brownfields) of varying complexity.
• Prepare and review a variety of municipal by-laws and by-law amendments.
• Negotiate and liaise with external stakeholders, lawyers, and government bodies.
• Participate as Legal Services team member for City projects and initiatives.
• Provide creative options and proactive solutions to implement City initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze new legislation and emerging case law and provide advice on the implications for the City’s powers and responsibilities.
• Prepare and review Council and Committee reports.
• Work with staff to ensure that the City’s legal risks are minimized.
• Perform other duties as assigned.