Solicitor (Litigation)

Job Profile

The Legal Services Department is responsible for providing legal advice and services with respect to all of the City’s activities including conduct of real estate and corporate/commercial transactions, litigation and by-law prosecutions, claims/risk management, by-law drafting and statutory interpretation, contracts, labour and employment law and other areas specific to municipal corporations.

Under the general direction of the Director of Legal Services and City Solicitor, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing legal advice and representation with respect to all facets of civil litigation, representing the City before the Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Appeal, and at various administrative tribunals.

As the  Solicitor  you will:

• Provide complex and (or) sensitive legal advice and other legal services to the municipal corporation, its departments, and committees of Council (“client”).
• Negotiate and advocate for the City at mediations, judicially assisted dispute resolutions, and arbitrations.
• Conduct complex general litigation in the Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal in areas such as:
  • Construction and property disputes;
  • Commercial and contract disputes;
  • Assessment and taxation appeals;
  • Personal injury and other tort claims; and
  • Judicial review proceedings.
• Provide representation before administrative tribunals including the Manitoba Municipal Board, Land Valuation Appraisal Commission, Manitoba Labour Board, and the Human Rights Commission.

Your education and qualifications include:

1. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, or equivalent.
2. Minimum of 5 years’ post-articling experience in the area of civil litigation.
3. Experience practicing as in-house counsel is considered an asset
4. Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and legal information in plain language to all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
5. Superior written communication skills with the ability to compose a variety of court documents, confidential documents, policies, and correspondence.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels of the municipal organization, external contacts, and the public.
7. Excellent organizational and time management skills manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
8. Ability to work independently and produce high quality work, with minimal supervision.
9. Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
10. Strong negotiation skills using sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion when providing legal advice, persuasively advocating, and resolving contentious issues.
11. Knowledge of the Rules and Procedures of the Court of King’s Bench.
12. Knowledge of municipal law, rules of evidence and rules of natural justice.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful candidate must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful candidate possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Member in good standing or eligible for membership with the Law Society of Manitoba.
• A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer will be required from the successful candidate(s), at their expense. To obtain Police Information Check information please visit www.winnipeg.ca/police.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF WINNIPEG:

• Citizen & Customer Focus
• Respecting Diversity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity and Trust
• Results Oriented

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE, including all documentation listed below:

1. Current resume AND/OR Application Form (Required). 
2. Applications submitted without REQUIRED documentation will not be considered.

*Your application documents must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications of the position.*

Notes

Online applications can be submitted at http://www.winnipeg.ca/hr/. For instructions on how to apply and how to attach required documents please refer to our FAQ's or contact 311.  The City of Winnipeg uses the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect Competency Model as part of the recruitment process.

The salary range for this position is $102,856.48 to $138,533.78 annually (Grade 7) ($112,012.72 to $158,005.01 annually effective January 1, 2023), as per the WAPSO Exempt Collective Agreement.

We have great benefits and competitive salaries, and we are committed to ongoing learning and career development!

We value diversity in our workplace. Indigenous peoples, women, racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ peoples and Newcomers are encouraged to self-declare.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.  Requests for Reasonable Accommodation will be accepted during the hiring process.