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Director, Law

  • The City of Calgary
  • Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Oct 31, 2022
Full time Lawyer (In House Counsel) Lawyer (Public Sector) Lawyer (Other)

Job Description

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary . City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits . Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.   The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.  The Law Business Unit handles legal, risk management and claims matters involving The City, and provides strategic advice to the Mayor, City Council and across the Corporation. These services are instrumental to address business needs, support the delivery of services to Calgarians and businesses, and advance Council direction and corporate priorities.    Reporting to the City Solicitor and General Counsel, as the Director of Law you will contribute to the strategic direction of the corporation as an integral member of both the Law, Legislative Services and Security Department and The City’s Senior Management Team. Through the leadership of a diverse team of legal, risk management and claims professionals, you will focus on the implementation and oversight of efficient, comprehensive and cost-effective service delivery. You will be an inclusive leader promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation within a safe workplace, and will ensure alignment with internal teams and external organizations through a collaborative approach. Primary responsibilities include:
  • Lead, coach and enable a high performing team of legal, risk management and claims professionals through the establishment of a proactive, productive and positive work environment
  • Inspire, influence and lead change while building strategic relationships
  • Provide and facilitate general legal advice on litigation and insurance-related matters, property law and development, procurement law, administrative law and corporate commercial law.
  • Lead the handling of sensitive legal files, inclusive of coaching, directing and influencing appropriate outcomes
  • Support City Council, Committee and Executive Leadership Team as required
  • Ensure quality of work on all legal, insurance and claims matters by fostering r an environment of trust that prioritizes continuous learning, improvement, collaboration and partnerships
  • Contribute to corporate strategy and decisions through participation on cross corporate committees and teams.
  • Provide strategic leadership to the Law Leadership Team including employee engagement, technology improvements, and workforce planning/capabilities.
  • Collaborate with leaders across the corporation to identify and address service needs, while building comprehensive partnerships.
  • Oversee preparation of the Business Unit service plan and budget in accordance with corporate guidelines, including development/refinement of key performance indicators, with an eye to trends and sensitivities in a complex political environment.
  • Lead the Law Business Unit with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation within a safe workplace.
Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or equivalent Degree from a recognized institution and be an active member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
  • Comprehensive working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act (or equivalent Act).
  • At least 15 years practicing law, including at least 10 years of experience practicing municipal law and working with Elected Officials.
  • Experience leading medium to large, diverse teams with a demonstrated ability to inspire, influence, and lead change while building strategic relationships.
  • Experience and/or working knowledge of civil litigation, property law and development, procurement law, administrative law and general corporate commercial law.
  • Exhibit key leadership behaviours:
    • encouraging open communication through building trust, integrity, and engagement
    • a collaborative working environment that empowers others to make sound decisions
    • ensuring a respectful, inclusive and accessible environment, and
    • promoting employee health, safety and wellness.
  • You are highly regarded across the field/industry for your well-developed political and organizational sensitivity.
Pre-employment Requirements
  • An enhanced security clearance will be conducted  
  • Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications. 
   
About The City of Calgary

Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers, owes its rapid growth to its status as the centre of Canada’s oil industry. However, it’s still steeped in the western culture that earned it the nickname “Cowtown,” evident in the Calgary Stampede, its massive July rodeo and festival that grew out of the farming exhibitions once presented here.

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