REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) or Juris Doctorate (JD) degree or equivalent from a recognized and accredited university.
• Must be a member of good standing with the Law Society of Ontario and be qualified to practice law in the Province of Ontario.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of demonstrated and progressive experience practicing law, either with a municipal/governmental organization or with a private law firm serving mainly municipal/government clients.
• Criminal Record Check with results acceptable to WIFN
• Demonstrated experience handling litigation matters independently, including experience representing clients in Superior Court and/or the Ontario Court of Justice, and in administrative and/or quasi-administrative tribunals.
• Excellent working knowledge of municipal functions and responsibilities, municipal legislation and regulations and numerous others as they relate to municipal jurisdiction and powers, litigation, contracts, municipal procurement, employment, labor relations, and legal matters affecting local government.
• A strong and confident working knowledge of current federal and provincial statutes, rulings, regulations, orders and decisions by provincial and federal courts and tribunals, as they impact municipal government.
• Necessary skills include strategic planning, negotiation, writing and presentation skills, high quality interpersonal skills, plus the ability to perform the duties as outlined herein within a reasonable time
• Must have an Ontario Class “G” driver’s license in good standing and own a reliable vehicle as travel between neighboring municipalities will be necessary on occasion.

SKILLS:

• High-level awareness of Indigenous Law and First Nation Self-governance.
• Trauma-Informed Lawyering Training.
• Knowledge of public administration and structures of various levels of government.
• Knowledge of Indigenous, Administrative, Real Estate, and Corporate law.
• Strong legal drafting skills with the ability to write clear and concise legal documents.
• Proficient in conducting legal research using resources such as Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw.
• Excellent negotiation skills to effectively represent clients’ interests.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify legal issues and provide solutions.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to clients and/or stakeholders.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the duties and responsibilities of the In-House Counsel include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stay updated on changes in laws and regulations that may impact on the organization
• Establishes WIFN’s long-term legislative agenda and ensures it is implemented
• Respond to non-insured claims, which provides the financial justification to find savings in the insurance agreement.
• Provide support to the Council in the development of First Nation laws, including constitution development, by-laws, and lawmaking.
• Oversee the administration of the First Nation’s laws and justice systems as delegated by the Council.
• Provide professional legal advice to Council and departmental staff on a diverse and broad range of issues.
• Assist and provide representation on behalf of WIFN before the courts, and in administrative and quasi-administrative tribunal hearings, including all aspects of conducting such litigation.
• Collaborate with other attorneys and legal professionals to develop case strategies.
• Instruct and monitor external legal counsel with respect to requested legal advice, major litigation, administrative tribunal, and other matters, including coordinating involvement and responses from various internal departments.
• Respond to non-insured claims against WIFN and perform associated follow-up duties to protect the First Nation.
• Prepare reports and memoranda for the provision of advice to Council/Committees and staff on various topics.
• Negotiate, draft, and finalize terms and conditions for a wide variety of contractual matters.
• Review and interpret agreements, policies, procedures, and other relevant documentation to identify problems with respect to legality, enforceability, form and substance, recommendations, and drafts.
• Attend Council/Committee and other meetings as required to respond to Council questions, including the presentation of reports or other information to Council in a public or closed session meeting environment.
• Conduct legal research on a variety of legal issues leading to the preparation of legal opinions, reports, and papers, summarizing results and including recommendations respecting implementation, form of response, or course of action to be taken.
• Undertake special projects and perform other related duties as assigned in accordance with departmental and corporate objectives.