Senior Associate Counsel

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

Senior Associate Counsel - $144,157 - $169,593

Counsel - $153,709 - $180,829

ABOUT THE ROLE

This particular role is within our Litigation Law Team.

Reporting to the Deputy Regional Solicitor, is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of legal issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities and the Police Services Board, including advice on litigation operational issues, strategic initiatives, risk management and general municipal law; representing the Region before courts, administrative tribunals and boards; and negotiating with external agencies and partners at municipal, provincial and federal levels.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation.
• Evaluates claims, identifies available legal options and assists in developing risk management advice and strategies.
• Responsible for litigation files from beginning to end.
• Provides general advice on obligations of Regional Council.
• Attends Committee meetings, departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required.
• Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.
• Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners.
• Supervises staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, and conducting performance appraisals.
• Evaluates performance of staff for compliance with established Regional policies and objectives and contributes to attaining objectives.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
• Membership in good standing as a Lawyer in the Law Society of Upper Canada.
• Senior Associate Counsel: Minimum five (5) years advanced expertise with a public sector organization or firm in the areas of Litigation, Municipal or Corporate Litigation, Insurance Defence or Police Liability and/orLitigation Law.
• Counsel: Minimum of seven (7) years advanced expertise with a public sector organization or firm in the areas of litigation, including municipal and/or police liability (preferred), insurance defence and/or commercial litigation.
• Strong problem-solver and self-starter with the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Experience in and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to the practice area and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
• Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations and boards and other government agencies.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in strategic planning, change management design, process and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of delivery of its areas of business.