Associate City Solicitor

The City of Red Deer • Red Deer, AB

1d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy City Solicitor, the Associate City Solicitor provides legal and strategic advice on diverse routine matters and matters of low to medium risk and legal complexity. This position also assists in providing more complex legal and strategic advice in collaboration with other lawyers, as appropriate.

Requirements

• Completion of LLB or JD degree from a recognized Canadian university
• Must be a Member of the Law Society of Alberta in good standing or able to obtain a membership prior to commencement of employment
• Three years of broad experience practicing in areas of law relevant to Alberta municipal government operations (such as the Municipal Government Act, planning, land development, taxation, real estate, bylaw prosecution, administrative or regulatory law)
• Proven legislative drafting skills and strong written communication skills in order that complex legal issues can be explained in a manner that allows those not familiar with legal terminology to understand the facts and the application of legal principles to those facts.
• Must have or obtain an understanding of the various operations of The City.
• Commitment to ongoing professional education.
• Must have the political acumen to function effectively in a political setting.
• Must have a high level of interpersonal skill and diplomacy. Must have excellent listening, oral and written communications skills and the ability to distil concerns and ask questions that will clearly identify underlying issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical legal advice on municipal operations, legislation, risk, and governance.
• Research, interpret, and communicate legal principles, statutory authorities, and limitations affecting City decisions.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on documents, including bylaws, resolutions, policies, and agreements drafted by City staff to ensure they are properly worded to reflect the City’s intent, limit liability, comply with applicable law and protect the City’s interests.
• Provide legal support for land acquisitions, disposals, leasing, and related real estate and land title matters.
• Advise on land use planning, development approvals, statutory plans, and represent or advise the City before MPC, SDAB as required.
• Assist with litigation, bylaw enforcement and prosecution, regulatory proceedings, expropriation matters, and quasi-judicial appeals involving the City as required.
• Ensure legal advice is accurate and responsive while demonstrating sensitivity to operational, political and policy constraints.
• Work collaboratively with external counsel.
• Support the City’s health and safety initiatives and comply with all applicable policies and legislation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level