COE-25-24 Deputy County Solicitor

Department: Legislative and Legal Services
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time (40 hrs./week)
Location: Essex, Ontario (Hybrid)
Posting #: COE-25-24
Opening Date: November 1, 2024
Closing Date: December 1, 2024

The Corporation of the County of Essex is an upper-tier municipal government, providing programs and services to a population of approximately 193,000 within the County and some shared services to approximately 422,000 within the Windsor-Essex region. The County of Essex is Canada’s warmest and southernmost County, surrounded on three sides by water and blessed with unrivalled opportunities for boating, fishing, cycling, golfing and other recreational pursuits. One of Ontario’s best-kept secrets, the County offers an affordable mix of urban and rural living with easy access to world-class amenities and schools. We are located next to the urban center of Windsor and just minutes from downtown Detroit. The County offers a competitive total rewards package including generous benefits and participation in the OMERS pension plan.

The County of Essex is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Deputy County Solicitor to serve as General Counsel for the Corporation of the County and its associated entities. Reporting to the Director of Legislative and Legal Services/County Solicitor, you will lead the Legal Services Division, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements while managing risk. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the legal landscape of our community.

As the Deputy County Solicitor, you will be responsible for:

1. Management Duties:
   • Overseeing the daily operations of the Legal Services Division and managing staff, including legal assistants and summer students.
   • Ensuring timely and efficient completion of legal tasks while supervising external counsel.
2. Legal Advice and Representation:
   • Providing comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of matters to County departments and County Council.
   • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, and representing the County in legal proceedings.
3. Procurement:
   • Managing all legal aspects of the procurement process, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
   • Reviewing and updating procurement by-laws and policies.
4. Land Use and Real Estate Matters:
   • Overseeing land acquisition, negotiations, and expropriation matters.
   • Supporting the County Planner and representing the County before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
5. Insurance and Risk Management:
   • Assisting in overseeing insurance coverage and managing claims.
   • Implementing risk management initiatives to protect the County from liability.
6. Divisional Leadership:
   • Participating in budgeting and strategic planning for the Legal Services Division.
   • Providing mentorship to legal staff and ensuring continuity of legal services.
7. Council Matters:
   • Supporting the development of by-laws and attending County Council meetings to provide legal guidance.

Education:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited Canadian law school, or an equivalent foreign legal degree with NCA assessments
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing law, with preference given to candidates with experience in municipal or public sector law, insurance defence, employment and labour law, administrative law, land use planning, expropriations, real estate, and corporate law.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong legal research, analytical, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal software
• Ability to manage confidential information with sound judgment and attention to detail
• Adaptability and a proactive attitude in responding to evolving legal and organizational needs

A salary range of $135,990 to $166,960 is just the beginning. The benefit package is second to none and the defined benefit plan of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (O.M.E.R.S) is a pension system sought by many.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by the posting deadline. Due to the volume of applicants, only selected applicants will be contacted.

The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through hr@countyofessex.ca. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.

Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only.