Salary: Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel l) Salary: $140,973 - $165,855
Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II) Salary:$154,798 - $182,111
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.
Permanent Hires (remove if n/a):
• 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, Construction Law, this Associate Counsel is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of construction and procurement related legal issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities and the Police Service Board, including , drafting and negotiating construction contracts and various construction procurement documents, and providing legal advice on contract interpretation and dispute resolution on construction projects.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
For the entire life cycle of construction projects, from design and procurement to completion:
• Provides legal and procedural advice to various regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legal requirements..
• Provides risk management advice and strategies.
• Provides general advice on obligations and responsibilities of Regional Council.
• Negotiates and prepares agreements and other legal documents for construction related municipal service delivery, project implementation, and operational requirements of regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities.
• Represents the Region and its boards and corporations on various construction matters in dispute resolution, negotiation, litigation and proceedings before the courts and various administrative tribunals.
• Prepares and reviews reports to Regional Council and Committees.
• Attends departmental and cross-departmental meetings, as required.
• Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult or highly sensitive complaints either verbally or in writing.
• Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners, including Provincial and Federal government departments and ministries.
• Retains and instructs external legal counsel, consultants, and other professionals, as authorized.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (LL.B.) or equivalent Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of Ontario as a lawyer.
• Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel l): Minimum one to three (1-3) years general and/or specialized experience in the area of contract law with emphasis on Construction Law.
• Senior Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel II): Minimum five (5) years advanced expertise in the area of contract law with emphasis on Construction Law.
• Experience in and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset.
• Knowledge of current developments in the law and their application to Regional responsibilities.
• Knowledge of regulations, guidelines, procedures, standards and legislation relevant to contract law with emphasis on Construction Law, including public procurement processes, the Municipal Act and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.
• Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with staff of Regional departments, corporations and boards and other government agencies and members of Regional Council if required.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications.
• Proven analytical and decision making skills.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters.
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present information to a varied audience.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required