Law Clerk - City of Ottawa, Ottawa

The Opportunity

Explore City of Ottawa jobs and careers with this exciting opportunity for a Law Clerk within the Legal Services department. This vital role supports elected officials, all City of Ottawa departments, and various boards and commissions, including the Ottawa Police Services Board and Ottawa Public Library. The Legal Services team provides a comprehensive range of legal services across areas such as civil litigation, labour and employment law, prosecutions, and corporate, municipal, planning, development, environmental, and commercial law. This is an excellent chance to contribute to public service in Ottawa, ON.

As a Law Clerk for the City of Ottawa, you will be responsible for providing a wide range of legal services. Your work will primarily focus on critical portfolios such as real estate matters, including the creation of easement rights, acquisition, and disposal of land. You will also be instrumental in the preparation, execution, and registration of land development and other planning-related agreements, alongside the preparation and execution of a diverse range of contracts and leases.

Skills and Experience

To excel in this Law Clerk role, candidates must demonstrate a strong foundation in legal practices and procedures, coupled with significant practical experience. The City of Ottawa values a blend of formal education and directly related, current legal experience.

• Completion of 2 year community college Legal Assistant (Law Clerk) diploma or Certification by Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario
• Minimum of 6 years of directly related, current legal experience

A comprehensive knowledge base is essential for navigating the complexities of municipal and provincial law. Candidates should possess a deep understanding of relevant legislation and legal office practices.

• Knowledge of the Planning Act, Municipal Act, Land Titles Act, Condominium Act, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, Day Nurseries Act, Public Authorities and Protection Act, Creditor’s Relief Act, Ontario Works Act, Substitute Decisions Act, Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, Limitations Act, Wages Act, Provincial Offences Act (POA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Contract Law, Civil Litigation practices and procedures, Real Estate and Conveyancing practices and procedures
• Knowledge of municipal law and strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of general and legal office practices and procedures, file systems, and general office equipment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, E-Reg (Teraview), Map and other database applications including MTO ARIS System, Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations for corporate, litigation and financial searches
• Knowledge of financial principles
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

Beyond technical knowledge, the ideal candidate will possess a range of competencies, skills, and abilities crucial for effective legal support within a demanding environment. Your ability to work independently and communicate effectively will be key.

• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal direction in a demanding, time-restrictive environment
• Effective Communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to interpret provincial and federal statutes as they relate to day-to-day activities of the job
• Effectively communicate with other City staff, law firms, surveyors, contractors, developers, banks, insurance companies/agents, court staff, Police, other government agencies and the general public
• Ability to draft and prepare real estate documents, planning and development agreements (site plan, subdivision, condominium, RDC, deferral, encroachment, etc.), repayment agreements and court forms
• Demonstrated research and analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, set priorities, organize work and meet deadlines
• Possess conflict resolution skills to influence decisions, and to deal with contentious/sensitive issues and situations
• Excellent computer, research and writing skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Innovative and creative
• Use discretion and tact and be flexible and adaptable
• Reliable and thorough with an attention to detail

Day-to-Day

In this dynamic Law Clerk role, you will act as a key support within the Legal Services department, applying your knowledge to a variety of legal tasks. Your daily responsibilities will involve a significant amount of drafting, research, and communication, ensuring the smooth operation of municipal legal processes. You will leverage your skills to manage complex legal documentation and provide essential services to various stakeholders.

• Providing a wide range of legal services concerned with real estate matters, including the creation of easement rights, acquisition, and disposal of land
• Preparing, executing, and registering land development and other planning-related agreements
• Preparing and executing a wide range of contracts and leases