Description
Legal Counsel
Department: Executive Administration
Location: Mississauga, ON
Are you an experienced lawyer with excellent advocacy, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills? Are you looking to make the next step in your career? If so, apply below and join Peel Regional Police – one of Canada’s most progressive police services!
As the Legal Counsel in the Executive Administration Department you are for providing legal advice and recommending courses of action to the Chief of Police through General Counsel; protects and advances the legal interests of the Service by advocating and defending its positions before external decision-making bodies; ensures that the actions, policies, programs, standards and regulations of the Service are legal, enforceable and functional within the existing political/legal system.
What will your typical day look like?
- Reporting to General Counsel, provides legal services and professional advice to the Peel Regional Police with respect to corporate matters, the conduct of members and the prosecution of Police Services Act and Community Safety and Policing Act offences and other matters under the Acts, employment and labour relations matters, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy matters and the interpretation of, and compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, standards and policies.
- Provides legal advice and opinions verbally or through written reports, formal opinions, letters and memos, including research and analysis, interpretation of documents, and review of proposed policies, legislation and procedures.
- Attends, represents, advocates, negotiates and defends the interests and positions of the Service and PSB before various courts, administrative tribunals and mediations, inquests, boards, commissions and arbitrators, including but not limited to the Ontario Police Arbitration and Adjudication Commission, the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal, the Human Rights Tribunal, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
- Responds to various civil, criminal and tribunal-based motions, applications and summons to the Service and/or individual members regarding judicially ordered production of records to ensure that privilege, statutory requirements, and the best interests of the Service are met and maintained. Responds to freedom of information appeals under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Drafts legal applications, factums, submissions, representations, agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
- Provides legal advice to Professional Standards regarding investigations, informal resolutions and review of draft reports. Acts as Prosecutor for Community Safety and Policing Act hearings on behalf of the Chief and as statutorily appointed. Formulates positions on appropriate sanctions, including informal resolutions, suspensions, further training, demotions, and terminations. Upon request, may provide recommendations or opinions on ongoing discipline investigations, and overlapping criminal, employment, or jurisdictional issues.
- Provides advice and negotiates with outside counsel, the Crown Attorney and the Peel Regional Police Association and their legal representation, and appears in Court respecting summons, subpoenas, and third party record applications. Conducts written and oral legal advocacy as required in a variety of forums.
- Consults with internal stakeholders and the Information and Privacy Commissioner to review the Service’s privacy practices, and drafts privacy impact assessments on behalf of the Service for new projects and programs that involve the use of personal information.
- Provides advice and guidance to Public Affairs on responding to media requests for information.
- Acts as a resource to the Director-Human Resources and/or OIC-Professional Standards on matters relating to labour relations and employee performance and conduct, as required.
- Provides oversight, guidance, and support to the Law Clerk and Coordinator - Legal Services, and guidance and legal advice to the Court Applications Unit and Freedom of Information Unit.
- Makes submissions and comments on proposed legislation and regulations, and conducts necessary follow-up with other police services and Government of Ontario ministries. Prepares reports on legal issues.
- Researches and provides direction, expertise, advice and advocacy on civil, administrative, criminal, Community Safety and Policing Act and policy matters. Assesses risk to the Service, and proposes risk mitigation strategies as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Enough about us, let's talk about you
You are someone with:
- A Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized university; qualified to practice law in Canada, and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- A minimum of 5 years experience providing legal services in the area of criminal law, administrative/police law and/or civil law.
- In-depth knowledge of current developments in the law, applicable legislation and associated regulations.
- Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and/or potentially controversial information.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Advanced oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills
What we offer:
The salary range for this permanent, full-time position is $157,516.00- $186,526.00. and is complemented with a comprehensive benefit program, including employer-paid Health/Dental and Life Insurance; and the OMERS Pension Plan effective upon hire. Peel Regional Police offers a highly competitive compensation package; applicants will be considered for the top end of the range ($172,022.00 - $186,526.00) based on experience.
Peel Regional Police is committed to providing resources and development opportunities for continual growth of staff. This includes (but is not limited to) providing internal opportunities, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, free on-site learning/training programs and providing any required equipment to support the safe and effective delivery of services.
Peel Regional Police is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of its employees and offers many programs and services in support of work-life balance and both personal and professional wellness. From wellness protection for you and your family, state-of-the-art fitness facilities available to you free of charge, to structured programs to nurture your intellectual, physical and emotional wellness, we’ve got you covered.
About us
Peel Regional Police, the second largest municipal police service in Ontario, polices the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, with a population of almost 1.5 million residents, and Pearson International Airport, which saw an estimated 35.6 million people pass through in 2022. We are committed to our vision of 'A Safer Community Together'. Everything we do is driven by our Mission, Vision, and Values and we pride ourselves in being accountable to our community.
Peel Regional Police is acknowledged as one of Canada's most progressive police services. A proactive approach to problem-solving, a dedication to professional excellence and a reputation for making the community a better place in which to live and work - these are the hallmarks of Peel Regional Police.
The next step is yours!
Qualified persons should apply online at the Peel police website launch referencing posting ID #500297, by Wednesday April 2nd by 10:59PM. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email. Check your inbox regularly, including junk mail. No agency contact and/or referrals, please.
Applicants in consideration for hire shall be subject to a thorough background investigation that includes, but is not limited to, police checks with local, provincial and out-of-country law enforcement agencies, if required, education credentials, credit and financial inquiries, and personal and work references.
Peel Regional Police is committed to fairness and equity in our recruitment and selection process, and in building and retaining a talented and diverse workforce representative of the community we serve.
As an equal opportunity employer, Peel Regional Police is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment and committed to accommodating the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We encourage applicants to inform Recruitment and Staff Support of any accessibility needs to ensure they are accommodated throughout the recruitment and selection process.
