ABOUT MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Middlesex County is a vibrant upper-tier municipality located in Southwestern Ontario. We offer a thriving business climate, easy access to transportation routes, and quality of life. Middlesex County offers residents easy commutes, safe communities, a diverse economy, exceptional healthcare facilities, affordable housing, an array of educational opportunities and bountiful recreation and cultural choices in a picturesque setting. The County’s administration headquarters are located in London but Middlesex County is comprised of unique villages, towns and rural communities that have great attractions for residents and tourists.
At Middlesex County, you will have a chance to make an impact in your everyday work and build lasting relationships in the communities in which we live and serve. We offer a culture that values inclusion, diversity of thought, and employee development. We invest in our people to help them leverage their strengths to achieve their career aspirations. Join our team and build a rewarding career in a progressive workplace that fosters innovation and leadership.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Legal Services will provide a full range of legal services in areas of law affecting the County and its participating partner municipalities, including but not limited to municipal and administrative law, planning and development, construction, corporate law, contracts, and by-law enforcement.
The Director of Legal Services provides legal advice and opinions, prepares legal documents including contracts and agreements, manages and conducts litigation before civil and administrative tribunals, and prosecutes municipal by-law contraventions.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Post Graduate Degree – Bachelor of Laws (LL.B./JD) with a minimum of 8 to 10 years of legal practice with demonstrated experience in municipal law.
• Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada in good standing.
• Experience managing and directing staff.
• Demonstrated experience in legal research, drafting, negotiation, mediation and litigation.
• Demonstrated experience before courts and administrative tribunals including the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Thorough working knowledge of relevant statutes and regulations including but not limited to: Municipal Act; Municipal Elections Act; Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; Planning Act; Building Code Act; Limitations Act; Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; Occupational Health and Safety Act; Provincial Offences Act; Courts of Justice Act.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative rules of procedure.
• Strong working knowledge of municipal government structure, governance and operations, including Council authority and procedures.
• Thorough administrative, organizational, strategic and analytical thinking, problem solving and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and presentation skills as well as the ability to build relationships and collaborate with groups and individuals with divergent points of view to build consensus, credibility and trust.
• Ability to navigate a complex, politically dynamic environment involving multiple partners and competing priorities.
• Political acuity and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to establish purposeful relationships and work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, representatives of other levels of government, bargaining units, management, peers, employees, business community and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams and guide effective project management outcomes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word PowerPoint and Excel. Knowledge of legal software systems (i.e. ProLaw).
• Current Criminal Record Check that is satisfactory to Middlesex County.
• A valid “G” driver’s licence with a clean driver’s abstract, and access to a vehicle to travel as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
Additional details and a full job description are available at www.middlesex.ca.
WHAT WE OFFER
• Competitive compensation: the pay rate for this position is $93.32 to $109.17 per hour for 35 hours per week.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Ability to participate in the OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) pension plan.
• Flex time/banked time off.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Ongoing training and development.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to Jessica Ngai, Director of Human Resources, by email at hr@middlesex.ca by 4:30 p.m. on August 9, 2024.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. If you are contacted for an interview, please advise us of any accommodations that may be required. This information will be treated confidentially and only used for the purpose of providing an accessible recruitment experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We thank all applicants who apply, but only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for candidate selection purposes only.