Regional Solicitor's Office - 17250 Yonge Street - Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 CA (Primary)
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.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLE
York Region is seeking a Law Clerk to join its collegial Regional Solicitor’s Office. Reporting to the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel, you will be responsible for supporting the Regional Solicitor through providing a wide range of legal services including file management and document review, interpreting bylaws, legal documents and contracts for all Regional Departments, prepare legal documentation and correspondence, provide transactional support, and complete research of case law/legislation/policies in support of requests for legal and politically sensitive advice.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Draft and prepare legal documents, agreements and supporting materials for various municipal, corporate and ad hoc matters
- Review, interpret legal requests and maintain a precedent database
- Review incoming requests and prepare draft responses on behalf of the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel.
- Identify legal issues and conduct legal research
- Independently conduct, analyze and make recommendations regarding incoming legal requests to staff
- Monitor and respond to enquiries, both internal and external, regarding general municipal and corporate matters, bylaws, contract obligations and revisions, limitation periods, etc.
- Prepare draft reports to Committee and Council on legal matters for legal counsel
- Serve as a point of contact for legal requests for advice; coordinate access to and support from legal staff and lawyers as needed
- Liaise and provide technical knowledge, advice, recommendations and appropriate assistance to the Regional Solicitor, Legal Counsel and Department staff where appropriate
- Provide guidance and mentoring to other Legal staff, as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in a Law Clerk Program or approved equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience as a law clerk in a private or public sector environment. Experience as a law clerk working with bylaws and contracts in a public sector environment would be considered an asset.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset, able to prioritize multiple competing tasks
- Proven knowledge of legal interpretation and concepts, principles and terminology, legal procedures, statutes and regulations relating to municipal law
- Excellent drafting and research skills, including strong analytical skills to interpret policy and procedures, determine relevancy of legal issues, identify unresolved issues, review requests and determine completeness and accuracy
- Demonstrates concern for accuracy and pays attention to detail
- Demonstrated knowledge of municipal government structure, policies, processes and responsibilities
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
- Demonstrated ability and skill in effective planning and problem solving as well as critical and strategic thinking
- Ability to handle a high volume of files under high pressure, ability to manage and prioritize time sensitive matters
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and assume carriage of files under the direction of Regional Solicitor or other Legal Counsel
Are you customer focused and thrive in a collegial team environment where collaboration, partnership and passion to excel are celebrated? This may be the opportunity for you!
Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.
All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.
York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.