solicitor

Town of WhitbyCommissioner, Legal and Enforcement Services and Town SolicitorTown of Whitby | OntarioLead Legal Strategy for One of Canada's Fastest-Growing CommunitiesNestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, an hour east of Toronto, Whitby is projected to grow from 140,000 to more than 200,000 residents by 2031. That kind of growth demands a legal leader who can keep pace with the community: someone ready to shape policy, guide Council through complex decisions, and help build the framework for a Town in transformation. This is your opportunity to serve as the Town's principal legal counsel and Town Solicitor, a role in which your expertise directly shapes the future of a thriving, sophisticated municipality that still holds onto its small-town heart. Two heritage downtowns, an award-winning marina, growing employment lands, and an ambitious Official Plan: you'll be at the table as it all comes to life.The OpportunityReporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Legal and Enforcement Services/Town Solicitor serves as the Town's principal legal counsel across all areas of municipal law, leading a full-service legal practice for the Corporation and overseeing Municipal By-law Enforcement, Parking Enforcement, and Animal Services. You'll lead a team of four direct reports (Associate Solicitor, Senior Law Clerk/Law Clerk-Assistant, Real Estate Law Clerk, and Manager of Enforcement Services) and manage 28 employees within your broader portfolio. You'll be a trusted advisor to Council, the CAO, and the Senior Leadership Team, someone whose judgment is sought daily, not just requested. You'll make an impact by: Serving as principal legal counsel on all matters of law affecting the Town (excluding labour/employment), reviewing and advising on the legal implications of Corporate and Council decisions. Advising Council and Town officials on statutes, by-laws, and complex legal situations, partnering with staff to resolve issues before they become obstacles. Ensuring Council and Corporate actions are grounded in law, safeguarding the Town's jurisdiction and legal integrity. Building and leading a high-performing legal team, including direct oversight of the Municipal By-law Enforcement and Animal Services Divisions. Managing and maintaining a full-service legal practice (excluding Labour/Employment) that supports Council, Senior Leadership, and staff across the Corporation. Retaining, instructing, and managing external counsel and consultants for major litigation, tribunal matters, and specialized legal work. Staying ahead of the curve in municipal law, translating legislative change into practical policy and operational guidance. Representing the Corporation before the Ontario Land Tribunal, the courts, and other legal bodies, and leading the Town's position in alternative dispute resolution. Representing the Corporation at community events involving legal and enforcement matters, building the Town's profile and relationships. Advising Town law enforcement officials and negotiating high-value real estate and leasing transactions on the Corporation's behalf. Shaping legislative strategy and bringing recommendations directly to the CAO and Council on proposed legislation and on where new policy is needed. Drafting and reviewing agreements, by-laws, and legal instruments that keep the Corporation moving. Preparing reports on service delivery, litigation, and other legal matters affecting the Corporation. Attending Council meetings as a core voice in municipal decision-making. Owning and actively managing the annual budget for Legal and Enforcement Services and setting the department's strategic goals and priorities. Helping shape the corporate policies, plans, and procedures that support the Town's biggest initiatives.What You BringYou are a strategic, self-motivated legal executive who thrives on complexity. You build trust quickly (with Council, Location Whitby , ON Work location On site Salary $ 221,072 YEAR annually Terms of employment Permanent employment Full time Starts as soon as possible vacancies 1 vacancy Source CivicJobs.ca #115709 Various locations Whitby, ON