The City of Markham is seeking an Assistant City Solicitor with planning, development, and general municipal law experience to join its collegial team. Reporting to the City Solicitor, you will provide legal advice on complex planning and development issues and provide legal advice to Council and senior management on a number of general municipal matters. The successful candidate will be solution-oriented with a demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently on files, while simultaneously being able to effectively manage shifting priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment.
This is an exciting and challenging role that offers candidates the opportunity to join a dynamic and committed legal team that is dedicated to delivering an exceptional level of service to all City of Markham stakeholders. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online.
Please note that this position is currently hybrid. Our hybrid work model may be subject to change.
Join us and make a lasting difference!
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Providing practical, timely, and innovative legal and procedural advice to Council and its committees, City staff, local boards and related entities on a diverse range of sophisticated planning, development, and municipal law issues.
- Working closely with staff, drafting and presenting both public and in-camera committee reports on matters related to development applications, general municipal issues and by-laws, and the mitigation of risk to the municipality.
- Advising on land use planning and development matters, including representing the City at administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal, Committee of Adjustment, and in Court as required.
- Negotiating and drafting legal opinions, pleadings, minutes of settlement, development agreements, by-laws, and internal policies.
- Maintaining a substantive and up-to-date knowledge of the Municipal Act, 2001, Planning Act, Development Charges Act, 1997, and other relevant legislation and case law and providing legal analysis on the implications of same to municipal operations and strategic decisions.
- Managing files assigned to outside legal counsel and facilitating the flow of information between consultants, stakeholders, and City staff.
- Developing legal strategies, conducting examinations for discovery, retaining external experts, negotiating and settling actions and attending mediations, case management conferences, pre-trials, hearings, and trials.
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a solicitor and currently a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Experience advising on planning and development matters as well as general municipal law issues, preferably within a municipality or government entity.
- Ability to provide proactive legal advice, with a desire to achieve progressive solutions to novel challenges facing the municipality.
- Capability to work collaboratively with an inter-disciplinary team of professionals.
- Strong communication, negotiation, drafting, time management, dispute resolution, and organizational skills
CORE BEHAVIOURS
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
We thank all those applicants who have applied however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Salary Range:$138,144.00 To $162,533.00 Annually
