Legal Counsel

Temporary, full-time position

If you’re an experienced lawyer with excellent advocacy, mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, this is an exciting opportunity to join Peel Regional Police – one of Canada’s most progressive police services.

As Legal Counsel, reporting to General Counsel, you will provide legal advice and recommend courses of action to the Chief of Police, while protecting and advancing the legal interests of the Service by advocating and defending its positions before external decision-making bodies. At the heart of your role will be ensuring that the actions, policies, programs, standards and regulations of the Service are legal, enforceable and functional within the existing political/legal system.

RESPONSIBILITIES

More specifically, as Legal Counsel, you will:

• Provide legal services and professional advice to Peel Regional Police with respect to corporate matters, the conduct of members and the prosecution of Police Services Act offences and other matters under the Act, 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.
• Provide legal advice and opinions verbally or through written reports, formal opinions, letters and memos, including research, interpretation of documents, and review of proposed policies, legislation and procedures.
• Attend, represent, advocate, negotiate and defend the interests and positions of the Service and Peel Police Services Board (PSB) before various courts, administrative tribunals and mediations, inquests, boards, commissions and arbitrators, including the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.
• Respond to various civil, criminal and tribunal-based motions, applications and summons to members regarding judicially ordered production of records to ensure that privilege and statutory requirements are met and maintained.
• Provide legal advice to Professional Standards regarding investigations, informal resolutions and review of draft reports, act as Prosecutor for Police Services Act hearings on behalf of the Chief and as statutorily appointed and, upon request, may provide recommendations or opinions on appropriate penalty, ongoing discipline investigations and informal resolutions.
• Provide advice to, and negotiate with, outside counsel, the Crown Attorney and the Police Association and their legal representation, and appear in Court respecting subpoena and third-party record applications.
• Act 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.
• Make submissions and comment on proposed legislation and regulations, and prepare reports on legal issues.
• Research, and provide direction, expertise, advice and advocacy on, civil, administrative, criminal, Police Services Act and policy matters.

QUALIFICATIONS

In the role of Legal Counsel, you will apply the following education, experience and skills:

• A Bachelor of Law degree from a recognized university, and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience providing legal services in the area of criminal law, administrative/police law and/or civil law.
• Knowledge of current developments in the law, applicable legislation and associated regulations.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must have received, or be scheduled to receive by date of hire, the approved full dosage of COVID-19 vaccination, in accordance with the recommendations of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The salary range for this temporary, full-time position is $129,438 to $153,245 per annum. This temporary position will be to cover for a maternity leave.

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, to 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.

Our Vision: A Safer Community Together

Peel Regional Police, the second largest municipal police service in Ontario, polices the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, with a population of almost 1.4 million residents, and Pearson International Airport, which saw an estimated 13.3 million people pass through in 2020.

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.

Qualified persons should apply online at www.peelpolice.ca, referencing Job ID #303367, by Thursday, October 21, 2021.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.