Legal Assistant, Real Property Law

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
Reporting to Senior Counsel, provides confidential legal and administrative support, including drafting and reviewing correspondence, and legal documents with an emphasis on real estate and expropriations, as well as administration and management of legal practice.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Requires experience working in a real estate environment and familiarity with real estate terms, principles, practices and legal documentation, preferably within a municipality or other public sector organization.  This includes preparing and processing various legal and real estate documents, negotiated and expropriated property transactions, understanding legal terminology, forms, practices and procedures associated with conveyancing, the ability to conduct complex title searches and read and understand title, including the ability to understand complex legal descriptions
• Assists with reviewing real estate agreements, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leases in accordance with approved real estate policies, practices and procedures.
• Reviewing and interpreting engineering and survey drawings, conducting, reviewing, and interpreting title searches
• Supporting counsel in processing and finalizing real estate transactions including administering and processing legal documents and ensures security, insurance requirements and authorization are met to protect the legal and financial interests of the Region
• Preparing and signing routine correspondence
• Familiarity with Land Registry Office processes
• Maintaining project and other checklists
• Assist in updating templates
• Preparing and processing a variety of legal documents and notices, including transfers, easements, releases, affidavits, declarations, expropriation notices, licences, leases, release of easements, and other similar documents
• Processing and closing out, including reporting, closed transactions
• Accurately inputting, retrieving, updating and maintaining document management systems
• Experience with expropriations is beneficial
• Requires drafting skills
• Requires experience in contacting and dealing directly with a high level of discretion and tact internal stakeholders, private and public sector representatives- including the Land Registry Office and lawyers, to assist in progressing and finalizing real estate transactions
• Managing a high volume of emails and providing administrative support for counsel – maintains filing systems, precedents and updates records and lists to ensure accuracy; files correspondence, reports and other documents in accordance with Regional standards and assists with records management
• Requires extensive familiarity with Teraview and associated resources, Excel, Word and familiarity with document management systems
   

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

• Successful completion of a post secondary education in a Legal Assistant Program or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years legal administrative experience in a private or public law practice with an emphasis in Real Estate Law.
• Thorough knowledge of the preparation of various legal documents, contracts, agreements, records and file systems, and clerical administrative practices.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.  
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications and Quicklaw and Teraview.
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems.
• Organizational skills and ability to assess priorities, work independently to meet required deadlines with conflicting demands and changing priorities. 

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.