Associate Counsel

**Job Description**:
**Associate Counsel (Associate Counsel I) Salary: $131,283 - $154,454 (effective April 1, 2024)**

**WHO WE ARE**

Recognized as a GTA Top Employer, one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, as well as a Forbes Top Employer, The Regional Municipality of York is Canada’s fastest growing region, with a population that is expected to grow to over 2 million by 2041. York Region stretches north from Toronto to Lake Simcoe and includes many hectares of protected Greenbelt. York Region’s diversity is evident in its nine local cities and towns, geography, economic development, and population. York Region works to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- DEFINED BENEFIT PENSIONS 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.
- DISCOUNTS AND INCENTIVES - Enjoy corporate discounts from a variety of local businesses, such as, gyms and fitness studios, Canada’s Wonderland, Telus or Rogers phone plans and the Personal or Cooperators insurance. Don’t forget to take advantage of our Apple Employee Purchasing program
- EMPLOYER OF CHOICE - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- BENEFITS AND WELLNESS - A comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan includes extended health, dental and life insurance. Access to 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE WORKPLACE - Creating an environment which recognizes and celebrates all dimensions of diversity and inclusion.

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

Reporting to Deputy Regional Solicitor, Dispute Resolution and Construction team, is responsible for providing advice on a broad range of legal issues to Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities and the Police Services Board, including advice on litigation, operational issues, strategic initiatives, risk management and general municipal law; representing the Region before courts, administrative tribunals and boards; and negotiating with external agencies, private sector entities and partners at municipal, provincial and federal levels.

**WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING**
- Provides legal and procedural advice to various Regional departments, corporations, boards and related entities on applicable legislation.
- Provides risk management advice and strategies.
- Provides general advice on obligations of Regional Council.
- Attends Committee meetings, 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.
- Supervises staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, and conducting performance appraisals.
- Evaluates performance of staff for compliance with established Regional policies and objectives and contributes to attaining objectives.

**WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO YORK REGION**
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.).
- Membership in good standing as a Lawyer at the Law Society of Ontario.
- Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of expertise in the area of litigation.
- Experience in and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, guidelines, procedures and standards relevant to the practice area and a complete understanding of the Regional governmental structure.
- Leadership competencies including operating strategically, leveraging diversity and differences, customer focused, ensuring accountability, managing complex problems, financial management, employing interactive and effective communication, fostering collaborative relationships, cultivating engagement to drive vision and purpose, managing and developing talent, establishing and maintaining trust, displaying self-awareness, and demonstrating resiliency.
- Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, communication, collaboration and personal ownership.
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of Regional departments, corporations and boards and other government agencies.
- Proven analytical and decision-making skills.
- Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters.
- Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, facilitate, mediate and present informa