Hybrid Solicitor – Dispute Resolution

at City of Hamilton, Ohio

• Job title: Solicitor – Dispute Resolution
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: CA$121,889 - CA$170,024 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Hamilton, Canada

About the role

• Solicitor providing effective legal advocacy and advice for the City of Hamilton. Handling litigation, consultations, and complex legal matters for corporate services in a hybrid role.

Responsibilities

• Under the general direction of the City Solicitor and Deputy City Solicitor, provide high quality and effective legal advocacy, advice, and services to the management and staff of the City and related boards and agencies.
• Ensure the actions undertaken will support corporate financial, and other goals and legal requirements.
• Focus on organization and carriage of an active case load of litigation files including insurance defence, contract and commercial disputes, and administrative law proceedings with related trial and appeal work.
• Provides specialized legal services and consultation to the City Manager, Senior Management and staff at all levels on legal matters.
• Develops and implements proactive strategies, anticipates and identifies legal challenges that help to protect the interests of the City and to reduce exposure to legal risks.
• Ensures that legal services are provided to contribute to the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the City.
• Provides research, analysis, counsel, and advice for City Council, City Departments, Boards, Commissions and Authorities on the legal implications of matters of law, legislation, procedures, operational and strategic decisions.
• Reviews and prepares documents, policies and procedures for the City to ensure clarity and compliance with laws.
• Provides legal opinions and advice on matters that pose significant risks to the City to assist decision-makers.
• Represents the City before Tribunals, Inquiries and at all levels of Court with a high degree of professional advocacy.
• Participates in the development and implementation of a preventative law program aimed at precluding and remedying anticipated legal problems arising out of day-to-day operations or projects.
• Assists City Solicitor and staff with service delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized University.
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Ontario.
• At a minimum, 3 to 7 years of progressively more responsible practice in the areas of law described above.
• Experience in insurance defence, including proven competency with independently drafting pleadings, conducting discoveries and preparing for and conducting mediations and all litigation steps up to and including trial.
• Broader commercial and administrative advocacy experience is an asset.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and integrity, and excellent communication skills reflecting ability to express ideas effectively, orally, in writing and through formal presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to interact effectively with legal team members and maintain a collegial working environment, and to deal with members of Council, government officials, outside professionals and members of the public.
• Highly developed analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for long-term visioning and big picture thinking.
• Experienced in designing and delivering customer focused programs and services; and using a "best practices" approach in developing and delivering quality services in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Highly developed ability to articulate a vision, to lead and inspire others.
• Highly effective leadership, facilitation, communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of key statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Division and municipality.
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of files in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Must have computer skills in a Windows environment utilizing MS Office software to support a high degree of self-sufficiency and ability to work in a “paperless” legal office.