Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Municipalities are at the forefront of the relationship between citizens and government. Municipal government interacts with citizens far more directly than any other level of government. This gives our lawyers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our community.

Under the general direction of the Director, Legal Services & City Solicitor, Associate Legal Counsel provides specialized legal advice to Council, Committees, senior staff and various municipal boards and agencies in a vast range of different areas of law, including administrative law, public procurement law, commercial law, real estate law, planning law, intellectual property law, construction law, contract law, constitutional law and human rights.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal Advice and Guidance:
Provide legal advice and strategies to council, committees, senior staff and departments on a wide range of legal matters affecting their functions; and

Interpret and draft municipal ordinances, resolutions, policies and procedures.

Contracts and Transactions:
Draft, review and negotiate contracts, including procurement agreements, by-laws, facta, opinions, reports, letters, policies and development approvals;

Ensure documents meet regulatory and municipal requirements and the City’s interests are safeguarded; and

Monitor and ensure compliance with changes in relevant laws and regulations.

Risk Management & Advisory:
Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with municipal operations; and

Collaborate with insurance and risk addressing potential liabilities.

Real Estate and Development Files:
Carriage of real estate, planning and other development file;

Ensure compliance with land use planning, environmental and other development regulations; and

Provide guidance on municipal planning matters.

Education and Training:
Develop and deliver training sessions on legal compliance, contract management, procurement of best practices and development-related processes to enhance legal awareness among staff and council.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

University degree in law (LL.B or J.D.).

Demonstrated recent and progressively responsible municipal law experience.

Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Excellent communication, advocacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills;

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills;

Ability to work in a team environment, liaise with key stakeholders and to function effectively with minimal supervision;

Advanced computer skills including MS Office proficiency;

Strong time and project management skills with the ability to multi-task;

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to gather and interpret information;

Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to formulate solutions to complex issues;

Proficient knowledge of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting municipal government; and

Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check.

Closing Statement

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca.

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers
Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.