Legal Counsel, Property and Risk Management

~ It’s something we know inherently, something we never question. Nature and people are interconnected – the health of one directly impacting the health of the other. At Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), we’ve made it our mission to ensure the health of both. ~

By committing ourselves to protecting, restoring and enhancing nature, we allow the natural world to bestow its many benefits on our bodies, our minds, our spirits and our communities.

With more than 60 years of experience, TRCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. Working with municipalities and other partners to look after the watersheds of the Toronto region and its Lake Ontario waterfront, we help people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature’s beauty and diversity.

Position Overview

This position reports directly to the Associate Director, Property and Risk Management and indirectly to the Chief Executive Officer. Legal Counsel, Property and Risk Management is responsible for providing a full range of legal services, opinions and advice to the Authority Board, Senior Leadership Team, departments and staff including civil litigation and court proceedings and proceedings before administrative tribunals, advice on agreements, contracts, documents, statutes and regulations related to TRCA, and matters related to planning and development law, administrative law, labour and employment law, real estate law, environmental law and procurement law. The position is also responsible for providing leadership in risk management by overseeing the effective operation of a risk management program including insurance coverage designed to protect TRCA’s assets and employees.

• Location: Head Office - 101 Exchange Avenue. Vaughan, Ontario
• Closing Date: September 10
• Division: Corporate Services

Responsibilities

• Oversee the completion of all real estate transactions including the preparation and registration of the necessary documentation for acquisitions, sales, easements, leases, and other property related transactions.
• Provides sound professional legal advice, opinions and directions relating to TRCA’s planning and development input and TRCA’s regulations.
• Oversee/manages all expropriation related proceeding including ensuring compliance with notices and service under the Expropriations Act, attending Board of Negotiations and the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
• Provides sound professional legal advice, opinions and directions relating to labor and employment matters including labor Arbitrations, matters before the Human Rights Tribunal, matters under Pay Equity legislation, and wrongful dismissal litigation.
• Provides input into formulation of corporate policies and procedures to ensure legislative compliance.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex agreements and contracts including procurement, P3s, RFP’s, construction, and infrastructure projects involving both public and private sector entities.
• Providing clear and concise advice with respect to all aspects of a broad range of general corporate matters, including governance, business operations, and services.
• Secure and provide instruction to and oversight of external legal counsel(s) including the managing legal accounts.
• Oversees/manages all TRCA litigation matters including coordinating all litigation files, negotiates litigation settlements, conducting discoveries and mediations, appearing before courts and administrative tribunals, drafting motions and pleadings, and providing instructions to and oversight of external counsel.
• Oversee the development and implementation of TRCA's risk management program.
• Manage the review and assessment of insurance policies to ensure that the appropriate levels of coverage are in place.
• Oversee the identification of risks associated with TRCA's programs and operations and recommending policies and procedures aimed at reducing such risks.
• Assesses section staffing needs, participates in recruitment and makes hiring recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required in accordance with departmental, divisional and/or corporate objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from a recognized and accredited university.
• Minimum of 7-10 years experience practicing law in Ontario on behalf of a municipality or other level of government, or with a private law firm serving mainly municipal clients, with an emphasis on contract, litigation, planning, procurement, real estate, employment or administrative municipal law matters.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Thorough knowledge of all legislation governing TRCA activities and related regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret legislation applicable to areas under review and to ascertain compliance.
• Superior analytical, organization, negotiation, strategic planning, decision making and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) with the ability to communicate with TRCA Board, all levels of staff, stakeholders and the general public.
• Advanced project management, time management, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters.
• Demonstrated experience directing outside counsel.
• A proven track record leading and managing a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.
• Experience in public sector procurement, and complex construction projects.
• The ability to work independently under tight timelines, and be able to adjust priorities in a dynamic and demanding environment, with a strong emphasis on providing a high level of trustworthy customer service.
• An understanding of how to motivate others and how to build effective teams.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• A valid Ontario driver’s license.

Compensation

• $123,124 - $137,615, 35 hours per week.

Note: TRCA is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require accessibility related accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted.