Solicitor

**Job Posting**

HRM Legal Services is the department responsible for the provision of legal services to the Halifax Regional Municipality through its Council, committees and staff. The department is organized into four practice groups: Litigation, Municipal & Administrative Law, Commercial, and Prosecutions.

The Solicitor is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to HRM staff conducting daily business and long-term planning for HRM. The Solicitor will provide accessible, efficient and expert counsel in legal matters while being responsive to client department needs. To be successful in the role, the Solicitor will be a client-focused and self-motivated individual who will work both independently and with a team of lawyers and support staff in the delivery of legal services. In addition to having an interest in general commercial matters and administrative law, the Solicitor should have a particular interest in providing legal counsel for construction and development projects. Experience with real estate matters or information technology matters would be beneficial.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Provides general solicitor services to HRM, its Regional Council, agencies, boards and commissions, as assigned, including, but not limited to, corporate and commercial matters, contract/agreement drafting and negotiation, report review and the provision of legal advice to senior management;
- Undertakes special projects as assigned by the Managing Solicitor or Executive Director;
- Complies with HRM Legal Services’ Client Service Standards and Service Level Agreements;
- Conducts legal research and provides legal opinions;
- Maintains up to date knowledge and expertise in areas of law including statutes, case law, legal proceedings, and trends in the context of commercial and public law; and,
- Attends meetings such as community councils, standing committees of council, or Regional Council, as required or assigned

**QUALIFICATIONS**
**Education and Experience**:

- Law degree (e.g. LLB or JD) from a recognized university.
- 2-5 years relevant experience in the practice of law.
- Member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society or be qualified to be admitted.
- General practitioner with contract/commercial experience and preference will be given to those lawyers who have experience with one or more of the following areas: construction and development projects, information technology matters or drafting and negotiating leases and licenses.
- An authorization pursuant to the Nova Scotia Land Registration Act and its associated Regulations would be considered an asset.

**Technical and Job Specific Knowledge**:

- Business Fundamentals: blends commercial strategy, tactical business fundamentals and risk/benefit analysis and incorporates them into persuasive decision making to teammates and senior management.
- Technical Skills: possesses strong legal skills with emphasis on an understanding of the fundamentals of agreement negotiation and drafting, as well as general knowledge of commercial matters such as the purchase and sale of goods and services, construction and development matters including the use of CCDC materials, information technology challenges and real estate transactions. Additional technical skills include the ability to analyze legal documents and provide concise advice, a general understanding of the litigation process and the ability to write comprehensive and concise legal opinions.
- Research Skills: possesses a sound knowledge of legal research techniques and software. Has the ability to research and synthesize complex legal and factual materials.
- Software: Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of products (e.g. Word, Outlook).

**Security Clearance Requirements**: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

**COMPETENCIES**: Valuing Diversity, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Networking/Relationship Building, Organizational Awareness, Values & Ethics, Decision Making, Teamwork & Cooperation

**WORK STATUS**:Permanent, full time

**HOURS OF WORK**: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work outside of regular business hours may be required to meet organizational needs.

**SALARY**: Non-Union Salary S1 ($90,074 - $119,991). Salary is commensurate with experience.

**WORK LOCATION**: 1809 Barrington Street, 7th Floor, Halifax, Nova Scotia

**CLOSING DATE**: Applications will be received up to midnight on January 30, 2025.

Please note: HRM thanks all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.