Position Overview:
The City of Saint John is expanding its legal team and is accepting applications for the role of Solicitor or Senior Solicitor in the General Counsel Office (“GCO”). Reporting to the General Counsel, the solicitor/senior solicitor will support the General Counsel and the overall legal department in the delivery of innovative and excellent customer service through the provision of advice that will enable the City of Saint John to deliver on its strategic priorities. As part of the City’s legal team, the solicitor/senior solicitor will provide accessible and expert legal advice to the municipal council and the civic administration respecting matters of relevance to the municipality.
Key Responsibilities
To provide a full range of legal services to the civic administration, generally in the areas of litigation, by-law enforcement/prosecution, legislative drafting, real estate, land use and planning, contracts and contract management. The nature of the services provided by the General Counsel office will require that the position provide legal services in other and varied areas from time to time. The solicitor/senior solicitor’s responsibilities include:
• Representing the City before Courts and administrative bodies;
• Oversight and management of the contractual requirements of the City of Saint John including:
the drafting of a wide range of agreements to which the City is a party and supporting the civic administration in the development of the content thereof;
the planning, coordination and administration of the contract life cycle (review, initiation, negotiation, administration, monitoring and reporting, and close out) of all contracts to which the City is a party;
Identifying and resolving contract issues (legal and policy non-compliance);
• Providing legal support to the City’s Human Resources Department on labor and employment matters;
• Providing advice and legal support in procurement related matters;
• Managing the work of outside legal counsel;
• Managing crises that involve legal issues including the development of strategies that minimize the risk exposure to the City;
• Researching and providing legal advice on different matters of relevance to the City;
• Managing and closing real estate and other transactions.
Essential Qualifications:
• A Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a recognized university;
• A minimum of 6 years at the Bar with experience directly related to the key responsibilities of this position;
• Membership in good standing in the Law Society of New Brunswick (LSNB) or ability to become a member of the LSNB;
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently and multi-task;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Negotiation skills, tact, diplomacy and integrity
• Creative problem solving
• Ability to assess risk and strategize;
• Initiative and independence;
• Attention to detail;
• Excellent customer service orientation;
• Teamwork focused and collaborative;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.
Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:
City of Saint John
Attn: Hiring Committee
www.saintjohn.ca (careers/employment opportunities)
