City Solicitor (Full-Time)

City of Thunder Bay

$90K — $120K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree (LLB or JD)
  • Bar admission and good standing with Law Society of Ontario
  • Ten years of progressive legal experience, preferably in municipal law
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and administrative law principles
  • Familiarity with municipal government organization and emerging issues in Ontario

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic legal advice on municipal matters including governance and risk management
  • Advise City Council and senior leadership on transparent decision-making
  • Lead legal services delivery including litigation and contract negotiation
  • Represent City in legal proceedings and manage external counsel
  • Oversee Legal Services Division with a focus on strategic planning and excellence
  • Manage corporate insurance program and claims resolution
  • Contribute to corporate strategy and policy development as part of the Executive Leadership Team

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage
  • Life insurance for additional peace of mind
  • Matching pension plan for long-term security
  • Generous paid vacation and holidays
  • Option to purchase additional leave days
  • Access to EFAP and wellness initiatives
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs
  • Culture of recognition and appreciation events
Full Job Description


As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and senior administration. You will provide strategic legal guidance on complex matters affecting the Corporation while leading a dedicated team responsible for legal services, litigation, governance, insurance and claims management, prosecutions, and risk management.

Where You'll Make a Difference Every Day

As the City Solicitor, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping decisions that impact our community today and into the future. You will help safeguard the Corporation's interests, support effective governance, and provide practical legal advice that enables City Council and administration to confidently advance strategic priorities.

Whether you live in Thunder Bay, you're looking to return, or excited to make the City your new home, join a team where your skills, expertise, and presence is recognized, and make a real impact to our community.

How You'll Support the Team

In this role, you will provide strategic legal leadership to the Corporation while supporting Council, administration, and the Executive Leadership Team in achieving organizational objectives. You will also have the following accountabilities:
  • Provide strategic legal advice on a broad range of municipal matters, including governance, planning, development, procurement, contracts, risk management, liability, and administrative law.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to City Council, the City Manager, and senior leadership by supporting informed, transparent, and accountable decision-making.
  • Lead the delivery of legal services to the Corporation, including litigation management, contract review and negotiation, prosecutions, insurance administration, and claims management.
  • Represent or oversee the City's representation before courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies, and other proceedings, including the retention and management of external legal counsel where appropriate.
  • Lead and manage the Legal Services Division, including strategic planning, service delivery, financial management, workforce planning, talent development, and operational excellence.
  • Oversee the City's corporate insurance program and provide strategic direction in the management and resolution of insured and uninsured claims.
  • Contribute as a member of the Executive Leadership Team by providing leadership on corporate strategy, major projects, policy development, organizational change, and emerging risks affecting municipal government.

City Solicitor Job Description

What You Can Count On With Us

We're proud to offer a workplace where your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose come first. As the City Solicitor, you'll enjoy:
  • A competitive salary that reflects your expertise
  • A matching pension plan to help you build long-term financial security
  • Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage, plus life insurance for peace of mind
  • Generous paid vacation and holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave days when you need more time off
  • Access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall health
  • Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs, so you can continue to grow your skills and career
  • A culture of recognition and appreciation, with staff events and programs that celebrate your contributions
  • The opportunity to lead a dedicated and talented team, who are highly respected within the Corporation

What You'll Bring to the Team

Here's what will help you succeed as the City Solicitor:
  • Law degree, through either a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
  • Bar admission and member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
  • Ten years' progressive varied law experience, preferably in a municipal or other public sector law environment
  • Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, case law, municipal government organization and structure, administrative law principles, industry standards, and emerging issues affecting Ontario municipalities.

Lead With Us - Apply Today

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Join us at the City of Thunder Bay, where you'll provide strategic leadership, shape important municipal decisions, and make a lasting impact on our community.

Apply today and start your next chapter with the City of Thunder Bay.

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