City Solicitor
Company Bio
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!
The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
The City Solicitor, who reports to the City Manager, leads a team of legal professionals that collaborates with various departments throughout the City to provide sound legal counsel in several areas, including Administrative Law, Municipal Law, Litigation, Real Estate, Corporate Commercial Law, and Labour and Employment Law. Additionally, the City Solicitor oversees the City’s prosecutorial function.
In this role, the City Solicitor serves as the chief legal advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and the Senior Leadership Team. By analyzing complex issues and managing politically sensitive cases, the City Solicitor develops, plans, recommends, and implements strategies, goals, policies, and processes to enhance the delivery of legal services and support the City’s Term of Council Service Excellence Priorities.
Furthermore, the City Solicitor is committed to responsible financial management and stewardship while empowering and developing the Legal Services team to achieve departmental objectives. The City Solicitor prepares reports and makes recommendations to advance the City’s goals while protecting it from undue risks and liability exposure. This role also involves attending Council and Committee meetings and responding to inquiries and issues from Council, various departments, and other levels of government.
Qualifications and Experience
• Masters in Law
• Postgraduate degree in Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B), or suitable equivalent
• Member of the Ontario Law Society
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ progressive senior legal leadership/management experience, including seven (7) years at a senior management level with extensive related experience, preferably in a municipal environment
•Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to effectively engage with executive management. Skilled in influencing, negotiating, and building consensus among diverse groups.
•A results-oriented individual capable of setting key objectives and outcomes, analyzing complex and sensitive issues, evaluating alternative solutions, and developing sound conclusions and recommendations. Leads in alignment with the City’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
•Ability to lead, coach, and build cohesive, motivated teams; inspires innovation and promotes collaboration.
•Conducts oneself with tact and diplomacy in political environments when dealing with sensitive, confidential, or controversial topics.
•Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
•Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, municipal government organization and structure, industry standards, and relevant issues related to the city.
