Law Clerk, Real Estate/Development - Closing August 7, 2026

Municipality of Port Hope • Port Hope, ON

9d • CA$58,603 - CA$68,557 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Clerk – Real Estate/Development position is part of the dynamic Legal and Legislative Services team and committed to the supporting behaviours of the Port Hope Strategic Plan. It primarily supports the Municipal Solicitor/Director of Legal & Legislative Services with real estate transactions, capital program support, development agreements and planning law matters. In addition to providing general clerical and administrative support to the Director, this position also supports the Director with other areas of practice, including contracts, municipal law, litigation, corporate risk management and claims management, as well as the broader legal and legislative services department, when the need arises based on service area priorities. This position also supports the municipality’s Committees and Boards with Drafting and / or reviewing agreements.

Requirements

• Community College diploma in Law Clerk or equivalent program.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a law clerk.
• Experience in a municipality, public sector or real estate practice would be an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal, Initiative/self-management and accountability, project/time management, analytical, communication, presentation, drafting, organizing, flexibility/adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with all levels of staff, Council, the public, agencies, contractors, developers, etc.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, teamwork, collaboration and Trust, Innovative thinking, commitment to learning and technical skills.
• Thorough, broad working knowledge of the legal industry, the Municipal Act, 2001, real estate statutes, Land Registry Office procedures, and the Planning Act.
• Ability to interpret applicable legislation, provincial and federal statutes and municipal by-laws as they relate to the responsibilities of this position.
• General knowledge of municipal government structure, policies, processes, responsibilities and of legal office practices and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work and to work under pressure to meet deadlines; flexibility/availability to work overtime as may be required.
• Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail to perform corporate and real estate searches, draft reports and correspondence and prepare and register legal documents.
• Computer literacy utilizing word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software, the Internet and land registry document applications (Teraview).
• Proficiency in conducting legal research utilizing internet-based programs
• Ability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.
• Valid Class “G” Driver’s License in good standing and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Valid and satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Nice To Haves

• Member of the Law Clerk's Institute of Ontario optional.

Responsibilities

• Researches and drafts: Development and planning agreements (e.g. severance, pre-servicing, subdivision, site plan control, model homes sales pavilion, etc.), Real estate agreements (e.g. easement, encroachment, lease, license, permission to enter); and Economic development grant agreements (e.g. community improvement plan, heritage conservation).
• Processes subdivision files including the review of draft plans of subdivision, draft plan conditions, reference plans and M-Plans, legal descriptions contained in deeds to ensure necessary compliance with applicable conditions; reviews certificates of title and determines which qualifications as to title are acceptable, prepares and registers inhibiting orders, notices, transfers, discharges, easements and postponements and applications to delete inhibiting orders.
• Prepares draft documents for real estate transactions including offers to purchase, undertakings, directions, declarations and statement of adjustments, conducts searches/sub searches of title, reviews outstanding and encumbrances and title problems, registers documents on title, conducts execution searches, processes first applications for Land Titles (unqualified) registrations and attends the land registry office when necessary.
• Prepares real property transaction documents related to the acquisition and disposition of property for the capital program, including coordinating appraisals and environmental site assessment, reviewing offers and reference plans, preparing requisition letters, reviewing response to requisitions to ensure property will be free and clear of all unacceptable encumbrances prior to payment of funds, requisition of checks for compensation and consultants' accounts.
• Circulates land disposition applications to relevant departments for review and approval. Arrange appraisal reports and reference plans and prepare necessary notices, by-laws and closing documents to complete transaction.
• Reviews and/or drafts agreements for the municipality’s committees and boards and provides general legal support.
• Ensure compliance through follow-up with parties to agreements and contracts (i.e. securities, insurance certificates, bonds, etc.).
• Supports the corporation's risk management policies and conducts corporate searches.
• Tracks relevant information with respect to project including status updates, key dates and file management information.
• Manages forward file movement, including capital program facilitation.
• Reviews Committee of Adjustment applications and decisions, attends technical meetings, provides legal conditions and drafts applicable development agreements.
• Assists with Municipal expropriations by coordinating requirements under the expropriations Act, including the service and advertisement of notices, preparation of evidence, drafting required reports and by-laws for Council, preparing releases, partial discharges and other documentation required prior to payment of any compensation.
• Maintains an inventory system for identifying, tracking and protecting Town interests in real estate, including property such as open space, environmental, park and storm water management blocks and easements and updates the town's database with respect to registered easements, agreements and certificates of insurance.
• Receives, researches and responds to external inquiries (telephone, in person or written) and maintains effective and co-operative liaison with other staff, municipalities, government agencies, other organizations, members of the public, etc.; deals with all contracts in a courteous, friendly and efficient manner to promote a high standard of customer service and public relations at all times.
• Assists the Director with other areas of practice, including the researching and drafting of policies, contracts, municipal law, litigation, corporate risk management and claims management as may be needed.
• Drafts memos, staff reports, by-laws, and general correspondence, ensuring consistency and compliance with corporate standards and precedents and occasionally provides administrative support; schedules and confirms meetings and appointments generally and for the Director. Coordinates meetings in room facilities and amenities as required.
• Maintains precedents, as well as legal references and subject-related substantive legal index for quick reference.
• Manages accounts and ensures budget compliance. Facilitates cheque and security management.
• Maintains and ensures compliance with the corporate records management system; photocopies, binds, emails, faxes, and arrangements for couriers as necessary.
• Provide support to Council, Committees and the broader Legal and Legislative Services team as needed. Attend Council meetings when necessary.
• Provide support to all client departments who require information on ownership, easements and rights available to the Town and Town departments with respect to lands located in the town.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned in accordance with corporate objectives.

Benefits

• Employer paid Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance after three months of employment
• OMERS Pension Plan from the date of hire
• Professional Development and Skill Based Training Opportunities
• Alternate Work Arrangements
• Wellness, Social and Staff Ambassador Committees
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan
• Perks and Savings Partnerships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree