Legal Counsel II

Here is an exciting opportunity for a bright and ambitious Lawyer to get exposure to diverse areas of law while providing expert legal counsel!

Reporting to the Manager of Legal Services you will provide legal and strategic advice predominantly on novel or unique matters and matters of medium to high risk and legal complexity to Council Senior Administration and other County employees to guide municipal policies decisions and activities. You will also assist in mentoring the Legal Counsel I position and supervising Legal Assistants where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Confer with and advise employees on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers duties functions and obligations
• Draft and review medium to highly complex legal documents contracts and agreements bylaws policies leases licenses notices and other legal documents to ensure they reflect the Countys intent limit liability comply with applicable law and protect the Countys interests
• Review research draft negotiate and advise on a broad range of contracts public bids and other legal documentsand represent the County in contractual commercial or property transactions and advise on disputes
• Provide legal and strategic advice on unique and novel and medium to high complexity legal issues to the Manager the Director of Legislative Legal and Procurement Executive Team and Council in relation to their duties and the business of the County
• Attend or support Legislative Legal and Procurement Director in attending Council Committee and Executive Team meetings if requested or required for a file under this positions management
• In some cases conduct quasi-litigation and administrative tribunal matters and prosecutions and enforcement of orders under the Municipal Government Act various bylaws and other provincial statutes
• Mentor direct and assist Legal Counsel I colleagues in providing legal or strategic advice or in practice management more generally including when requested by the Legal Counsel I or Manager
• Administration of legal services and ensure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds personnel materials facilities and time
• Develop and lead legal services process improvements and provide assistance to Manager on such projects when requested
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers other County employees and the public
• In conjunction with the Privacy Officer review responses to public disclosure requests when required
• Work collaboratively with external legal service providers working on specific projects

Qualificationsand Skills:

• Law degree from an accredited university with active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta
• Minimum 7 years experience in an active solicitor practice with experience in one or more areas of law relevant to a municipal corporation such as contracts construction public procurement planning and development and land use information technology real property privacy and administrative law
• Extensive experience in planning and development public procurement or construction law is highly desirable
• Experience and knowledge in diverse areas of law such as contract law litigation and administrative tribunal bylaw prosecutions and enforcement orders privacy public procurement etc. is highly beneficial
• A broad knowledgebase of areas of federal and provincial laws and the common law affecting municipal governments
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely practical legal advice on complex high priority and high profile matters
• Advanced legal drafting skills including the preparation and review of contracts and agreements bylaws policies leases licences notices and other legal instruments
• Strong legal research report writing and recordkeeping skills with knowledge of applicable laws rules regulations and civil procedure and rules of court
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex legal issues to a variety of audiences
• Highly developed negotiation interpersonal and relationship management skills exercising tact patience and professionalism
• Strong organizational analytical and decision making skills combined with sound judgment and political acumen
• Demonstrated initiative attention to detail and ability to work independently while managing competing priorities
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office SharePoint and other relevant software applications
• Experience providing legal services within a local government or public sector environment is considered an asset

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Some evening and weekend work may be required along with some travel to off-site locations

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canadas most livable community where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity respect safety collaboration and accountability.

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage
  • Health and wellness spending account
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive respectful and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.