Legal Counsel, Commercial Law - City of Mississauga, Mississauga

Position Summary

The City of Mississauga is seeking a confident commercial lawyer to join its Legal Services Division as Legal Counsel, Commercial Law. This permanent role, based in Mississauga, offers a unique opportunity to handle a wide variety of interesting and rewarding legal files that directly impact how people live, work, and play in the city. The successful candidate will contribute to municipal operations, providing essential legal support across commercial, construction, and public procurement law matters.

Legal Counsel at the City of Mississauga are well-supported in their work by experienced and skilled law clerks, legal assistants, and articling students, and have access to the necessary technology and software to perform their duties efficiently and easily.

Requirements

To excel in this Legal Counsel role with the City of Mississauga, candidates must demonstrate a strong foundation in law and possess specific skills and qualifications:

• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario, with a university degree in law (LLB or JD) and an L1 Licence to practice law in Ontario
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in commercial law, with experience in municipal, construction and public procurement law being an asset
• Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate complex information to a variety of audiences, including members of Council, external stakeholders, and City staff at all levels
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to draft legally defensible agreements, clear and concise reports, and persuasive legal opinions
• Sound judgment and effective negotiating skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others
• Strong legal research skills and facility using digital and online reference materials and tools
• Strong organization and time-management skills and the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work
• Willingness and ability to practice law using paperless files, with the assistance of legal document management and case management software.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, Municipal Law, the Legal Counsel will undertake a variety of critical responsibilities, providing expert legal guidance and support across diverse areas of law to protect the City's interests and advance its strategic goals. This role demands a strong ability to navigate complex legal landscapes.

• Provide strategic and legal advice to City Council, Senior Leadership and City staff on a variety of commercial, municipal, construction and public procurement law matters
• Negotiate and draft a variety of commercial and relationship agreements with other commercial and government entities
• Conduct legal research and draft reports, legal opinions, legal agreements, by-laws and resolutions, in a timely manner
• Anticipate and address legal issues to protect the interests of the City and reduce exposure to legal risks
• Advise staff regarding legislation, regulatory requirements and developments in case law impacting City operations
• Provide practical and legally defensible solutions to problems and support staff in achieving the City’s strategic goals and priorities
• Retain and instruct external lawyers and consultants, as required, and review their accounts for compliance with billing guidelines
• Provide functional direction to law clerks, legal assistants and articling students working within the Municipal Law Section
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Why You'll Love It Here

Joining the City of Mississauga means becoming part of a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. The Legal Services Division offers a stimulating environment where legal professionals are supported by experienced staff and modern technology, enabling efficient and impactful work. The City is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, striving to create a respectful workplace that reflects the diverse communities it serves.

The City of Mississauga is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to removing barriers in its selection process for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. Accommodations are provided throughout the recruitment, selection, and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, ensuring equal participation for all applicants.