Municipal Solicitor

**Job Status**- Regular Full-Time-
- **About Us**-
- Home to vast parkland and attractions including Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge, the District of North Vancouver is inspired by nature, and enriched by people. Recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for six years, the District offers professional development opportunities, a competitive total compensation package, a nine-day fortnight, and hybrid work arrangements.
- This is an exciting time to join us as we transform digital service delivery, reimagine the customer experience, and advance bold climate action initiatives. Known for our flexible, family-friendly policies and inclusive workplace culture, the District is an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.-
- **Position Overview**- **About the Role**:

- Reporting to the GM, Corporate Services the Municipal Solicitor is a key member of the Legal Services team responsible for providing professional legal advice and guidance to a variety of District departments, senior managers and Council in all areas of municipal law and local government regulation.
- Providing advice to senior management and staff on a broad range of issues that impact the municipality including (but not limited to): the official community plan, zoning matters, development permits, development cost charges, amenity cost charges, contracts, litigation, land use planning, insurance, procurement, tax, real estate, liability claims, administrative law, freedom of information, human resources, and bylaw drafting and enforcement.
- Providing advice to senior management and staff on legal matters related to municipal administration, assisting as needed in the preparing, negotiating and reviewing property and land development documents and agreements, including licences of occupation, leases, purchase and sale agreements, airspace parcel subdivisions, leasehold strata dispositions, statutory rights of way, complex development covenants, and housing agreements, as well as other commercial contracts including operating agreements, funding agreements, and other related documents and agreements.
- Providing advice to Mayor and Council and attending, as required, Council meetings and related meetings.
- Utilizing knowledge of new provincial and federal legislation and making recommendations relating to the applicability of such legislation.
- Drafting and reviewing land development agreements and associated documents, such as covenants, statutory rights of way, variance permits, subdivisions, servicing agreements and zoning bylaws.
- Negotiating and drafting various licenses, interests in land and contracts related to municipal services, utilities, real property and other assets.
- Providing litigation support, in conjunction with external counsel as required, and assisting with resolving disputes in a variety of contexts such as contract, tort and bylaw enforcement.
- Maintaining current knowledge on trends and developments in local government and related public policy relevant to the municipality.
- Participating on committees, teams and working groups providing input on legal and risk matters impacting planning and policy decisions.
- Presenting seminars and training sessions on new/changed legislation and its impact on the municipality and requirements for implementation in operations.** Competencies**:

- Proven ability to provide clear and informed advice on legal issues to a broad range of stakeholders including senior management, boards, and decision makers.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable legislation including the Local Government Act, Community Charter, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Land Title Act, and other relevant federal and provincial legislation.
- Proven ability to lead high priority legal files, including those of broad organizational importance.
- General knowledge of municipal operations and functions including real estate, planning and development, engineering and operations, procurement and risk management.
- Ability to communicate complex/sensitive issues to Council, senior management, staff and external groups, including the public, in a clear and appropriate manner.
- Exceptional presentation, negotiation, conflict management and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to interpret and understand complex legal documents, legislation and associated procedures and processes.
- Ability to write and compose detailed and complex legal opinions, reports, pleadings and other documentation.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships based on mutual respect.
- Strong desire to work as part of a collaborative and service-oriented team.
- High level of integrity and professional ethics.
- Well developed research and analysis skills; ability to make decisions/recommendations based on findings.
- Understanding of the broad legal issues facing organizations and ability to proactively identify risk.
- Proven multi-tasking skills with the capability to manage multiple pro