Director, Legal Services
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Director, Legal Services in the Legal Services division.
The position
The Director provides timely and effective legal advice and services to Council, the Executive Management Team, staff and municipal partners on a wide range of issues. Manages all manner of litigation, including Tribunal work, with commitment to positive corporate business results through progressive and innovative negotiation and dispute resolution principles
This position is a Senior Management position, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer. The Director attends Executive Management Team meetings as required to address any legal issues associated with agenda topics and is a key advisor to the CAO and Council, recommending policies, plans, and programs that will benefit Chatham-Kent by being strategic, innovative, practical and fiscally sound. Leading a talented team of staff, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in their efficient delivery of these municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on trust and transparency. The Director is a visible partner in the community and workplace and a champion of community engagement, development and sustainability.
The Community of Chatham-Kent
Join the Municipality of Chatham-Kent—world renowned for friendly people, spectacular outdoor water recreation and also known as the “Classic Car Capital of Canada”. A single tier municipality, Chatham-Kent is located between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, and covers a large geographical area of 2,500 sq. km and boasts a storied past as a car manufacturing powerhouse. Each community in Chatham-Kent has its own unique character and history, and all enjoy the safe and affordable lifestyle that makes the region popular. Chatham-Kent has become a sought-after place for relocation and as such, our population has steadily been increasing and diversifying. Lead by a team of experienced, professional, and passionate leaders, CK is becoming one of the most desired teams to join.
Overall responsibilities
- Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
- Directly supervises six staff members who are responsible for service delivery in the areas of legal services and provincial offences court (prosecutions).
- Manage outside legal counsel, the municipality’s insurance broker and insurance contract, and other consultants, as required, including responsible financial management of outside services
- Oversee an annual operating budget and litigation/insurance reserve
- Review, draft and process by-laws, agreements and contracts of all types, particularly those associated with land use
- Prepare deeds, legal notices, perform title searches, draft agreements of purchase and sale, easements and land use documents for all departments; detailed knowledge of real estate processes, the Planning Act and Municipal Act required
- Oversee all litigation, including personal injury and motor vehicle accidents below the municipal insurance deductible, construction law litigation, and administrative tribunal work, including making representations before Courts and Tribunals
- Provide legal advice in the Employment law and Labour law areas, including overseeing all labour relations arbitrations and WSIB litigation files.
- Assist at meetings with the public concerning legal issues involving all departments of the Municipality
- Provide timely and effective legal advice and services to Council, the Executive Management Team, staff and municipal partners on a wide range of issues
- Assist with negotiating the terms of any settlement agreements respecting disputes, as required
Education & training
- Law Degree (JD or LLB) from a Canadian University
- Ten or more years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience
Required knowledge, abilities and skills
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience as a Senior Manager or related position
- Proven experience in municipal administration
- Preference will be given to candidates with business, public administration, social sciences, or other related degree
- Ability to interact both orally and in written form with the stakeholders, including the legal profession, enforcement agencies, other government ministries and departments and the general public
- Familiarity with computer-based research systems, working knowledge of electronic legal research systems
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet (or similar software programs)
Certifications/licenses/memberships
- Health & Safety Competency training is required within 6 months of hire date and will be maintained through refresher training once every 4 years
- Licenced to practice law in Ontario through the Law Society of Ontario.
Work environment/hours of work
- This position works mostly indoors
- This position works mostly weekday hours, with occasional evening or weekend hours
Working Remotely
This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.
This position may be required to attend on-site meetings to complete essential responsibilities of the role. As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice. Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.
Background check requirements
Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check.
Essential physical and/or safety requirements
- Bending: infrequent stooping; occasional twisting
- Walking: infrequent walking on rough surface; occasional walking on level surface
- Sitting: infrequent sitting in a vehicle seat
- Reaching: infrequent reaching above shoulder, backward; occasional reaching below shoulder, forward, handling
- Lifting: infrequent carrying and transferring (up to .91 kgs or 2 lbs) (carrying and transferring of files, textbooks and laptop)
- Standing: infrequent standing inside
- Hands: infrequent gripping
- Climbing: infrequent climbing stairs
Benefits
This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $155,999 to $183,723 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.
Applying for this opportunity
Resumes and cover letters must be received by 11:59pm (EST) on Friday, June 27, 2025. To apply, please visit: www.ckcareers.ca.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.
Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.
