Public Sector

Municipal Legal Counsel

Permanent

Richardson Executive Search

Municipal Legal Counsel Chestermere, Alberta

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an excellent opportunity for a Municipal Legal Counsel to join the City of Chestermere, AB. This is a progressive municipality that is growing and transforming rapidly and prides itself on innovation and continual improvement.

The Municipal Legal Counsel acts as a legal advisor for the Municipality, providing legal services and support to all parts of the organization.

THE MUNICIPALITY

The City of Chestermere is located east of Calgary in the province of Alberta, within Rocky View County. With a population of approximately 20,732, and its large park and entertainment zone which includes a golf club, a large recreation center, and facilities for boating, Chestermere provides an inviting lifestyle in a beautiful setting that has made the City of Chestermere a welcoming and growing place in which to live, work and play.

For more information visit their website at:  www.chestermere.ca.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration: The Municipal Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing general legal support on a variety of matters as they arise, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Conduct research, prepare drafts, and coordinate litigation related to civil matters.
  • Handle enforcement issues, such as bylaw prosecutions, and draft stop orders as needed.
  • Manage taxation and assessment matters, including resolving assessment complaints and appeals.
  • Provide legal advice and guidance on planning and development issues, including drafting bylaws and representing the Development and Subdivision Authority on appeals.
  • Offer general legal counsel, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, reviewing policies and procedures for legal compliance, and providing legal advice as needed.
  • Assist the Director with any other municipal legal matters that may arise from time to time, as required.

Research and Implementation:

  • Research and drafting as required, including but not limited to: reviewing and advising on legislative changes affecting Municipal operations in the areas of municipal governance, planning and development, corporate law, environmental regulation.
  • Deliver legal updates on relevant areas of law that could impact municipal operations and governance.

Department Coordination:

  • Maintain regular communication with the Director of Legal Services and other lawyers and staff within the organization.
  • Attend administrative or council meetings as needed, or be present in court for any prosecutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Possess a law degree from a recognized Canadian university or equivalent.
  • Hold a valid membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta or be eligible for membership.
  • Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience providing legal advice after articling.
  • 5+ years of Municipal experience required.
  • Previous experience working in a public sector environment would be considered an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Possess excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to present logical and persuasive arguments.
  • Demonstrate strong analytical, planning, organizational, time management, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
  • Have the ability to prioritize and work efficiently under pressure and within tight deadlines.
  • Display a high degree of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and independence, including the ability to deal with the public in a tactful and professional manner.
  • Demonstrate strong listening, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Exhibit flexibility in managing a broad range of complex activities and deadlines.
  • Possess basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and legal research databases.
  • Have knowledge of areas of law such as contracts, municipal liability, municipal bylaws, and real property, which directly impact the operations of the Municipality, and the ability to interpret and explain complex policies and legislation.
  • Possess knowledge of the legislative framework within which the Municipality operates, such as the Municipal Government Act, Expropriation Act, and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of or interest in environmental and/or Indigenous law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

JESSE JACOBSON | T: 587.453.4242 | E: jesse.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca

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