ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
- Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
- Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
- Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
- Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLEReporting to the Senior Counsel, IT & Cybersecurity, the successful candidate is responsible for providing advice to York Regional Council, Committees, departments, corporations, boards and related entities on a broad range of legal issues including drafting a variety of information technology and corporate commercial contracts, review of security and privacy laws, interpreting procurement by-laws and advising on other related matters.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Drafts, negotiates, and reviews a wide range of corporate commercial documents and contracts including those related to information technology and procurement for municipal service delivery, project implementation, and operational requirements of York Region departments, corporations, boards and related entities.
- Liaise with risk team to mitigate risks to York Region.
- Retains and instructs external legal counsel, consultants, and other professionals, as authorized.
- Maintains current knowledge of developments in the law and their application to York Region responsibilities.
- Negotiates with external agencies and municipal partners, including vendors, Provincial and Federal government departments and ministries.
- Provides opinions and strategic legal advice to York Region departments, corporations boards, related entities and on a variety of legal issues including commercial, contractual, corporate governance and jurisdictional issues, procurement, information technology, and related legislation, regulation and policies.
- Provides general advice on obligations and responsibilities of Regional Council.
- Responds to client enquiries directly and/or resolves difficult, complex or highly sensitive matters either verbally or in writing.
- Performs other duties as required to meet Branch and Departmental objectives.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Law (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.)
- Membership in good standing as a Lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario
- Minimum one (1) to three (3) years experience in Information Technology Law, Corporate/Commercial Law (including contract drafting) and/ or Procurement Law
- Demonstrated knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to interact with members of Regional Council and staff of York Region departments, corporations, boards and other government agencies.
- Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications
- Proven analytical and decision-making skills
- Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion in dealing with privileged or controversial matters
- Experience in privacy regulations and familiarity with the public sector would be an asset
