Legal Counsel - Niagara, Canada - Niagara Region

Niagara Region

Verified Company

Niagara, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Division:

Legal Services

Important Notices & Amendments:

There are currently two positions available for legal counsel:

general municipal solicitor with a portfolio that includes responsibility for all real estate matters (including expropriations) and related agreements (such as leases and licenses) on behalf of the Region.

- general municipal solicitor acting as the primary point of contact providing legal support to the Niagara Transit Commission, a municipal service board of the Region that assumed operational responsibility for consolidated transit services across the region effective January 1, 2023.

About Us:

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara.

Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries.

Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada's most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities.

Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada's most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario's most breathtaking countryside.

An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S.

neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region's amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region.

However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction.

The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director Legal and Court Services, Legal Counsel are responsible for providing legal support and advice on a broad range of legal matters to the staff and Council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara including the development, review and implementation of agreements, by-laws, policies and procedures, general municipal law, administrative law, planning and development, real estate law, expropriations, environmental law, regulatory compliance, risk management, civil litigation, employment, labour and human rights matters and representing the Region before courts, administrative tribunals and boards; and negotiating with external agencies and partners at municipal, provincial and federal levels
:

Education:

Postsecondary degree from a recognized university.
Law degree (LLB) from a recognized law school.

Knowledge:

Minimum 5 years legal practice with emphasis on general municipal law (including municipal planning and development), civil litigation, contracts, real estate, procurement, and freedom of information/privacy.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Greater than 5 years' experience in municipal/public sector law is preferred.
Must be a Barrister and Solicitor entitled to practice law in Ontario and a full member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.

Responsibilities:

Provides professional legal services, in all areas of the law required by the client's needs including but not limited to: real estate law, municipal planning and land development law, environmental law, commercial law, municipal law, contract law, administrative law and construction law, as well as areas of the law specifically relevant to the Region including, including procurement, development charges, freedom of information and protection of privacy, longterm care facilities, social assistance and public health law. (35% of time)_
Prepares, reviews and vets contracts entered into between the Corporation and its external clients, venders and third party service providers.
Analyzes and reviews company agreements or proposed agreements focusing on the implications of complex legal issues.
Provides legal advice and counsel to clients, carrying out transactions with significant legal elements, and intermediating between clients and specialized outside legal counsel, and reporting to client.
Provides professional legal services to the Regional Corporation and all its constituent elements, including Council, Council committees, Regional Departments, Niagara Regional Housing, Niagara Regional Police Services, staff committees, and staff.
Maintains uptodate internal files, including legal precedents, in ali