Articling Student 2024-2025 (up to 10 month contract)

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

The City of Markham is currently accepting applications for the temporary full time (up to10 month contract) Articling Student in the Legal Services Department, Office of the CAO. Applications for the 2024/25 articling term will be accepted until May 14, 2024.

The City of Markham's Legal Services Department is excited to offer a unique public practice articling experience. The Legal Services Department is a dynamic and committed legal team that is dedicated to delivering an exceptional level of service to all City of Markham stakeholders. The Legal Services Department provides legal services to Council/Committees, the CAO, the Executive Leadership Team and staff on a broad range of issues affecting the City. Our areas of practice include:

• General Municipal
  1. Advising on a range of municipal law matters, including advising on application of legislation including the Municipal Act, 2001, the Building Code Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Construction Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and more.
  2. Assisting in the drafting and interpretation of City By-laws and policies, as well as advising on issues arising during enforcement of By-laws.
  3. Providing advice to Council at both public and confidential committee meetings.
• Litigation and prosecutions
  1. Managing insurance-related claims, including commercial claims, damage to personal property, and personal injury claims.
  2. Managing civil litigation for non-insured claims, including managing external counsel.
  3. Managing prosecution proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act.
• Planning and development law
  1. Advising the Planning and Development Department on legal issues arising in planning and development matters such as zoning by-laws, official plans, site plans, plans of subdivision, consents and minor variances, heritage matters and development charges.
  2. Represent the City before the Ontario Land Tribunal on land use planning appeals.
• Real estate law
  1. Working with the City's Real Property Department on the acquisition and disposition of land, as well as easements, leases, permissions to enter, licenses and other property related matters.
• Contracts / Corporate Commercial law
  1. Negotiate, draft and review a broad range of contracts for numerous City Departments, including: Software License Agreements, Data Use License Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure Agreements, Consulting Services Agreements, Sponsorship Agreements, Funding Agreements, Facility Rental Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding.
  2. Advice and legal support in connection with the City's affiliate corporations and municipal services corporations, including: governance documents, Board meetings, director/officer appointments, banking matters, signing authority matters, dividends / share repurchases, the Ontario Business Corporations Act, and the Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
• Public Procurement Law
  1. Negotiate, draft and review a broad range of procurement documents (including Request for Tenders, Request for Quotations, Request for Proposals, Request for Pre-Qualifications) and resulting vendor contracts.
  2. Provide Purchasing Staff with legal opinions regarding public procurement issues, including: non-compliant bids, mandatory requirements, bid disqualification, bid withdrawal, bid withdrawal, disqualified vendor list, tender cancellation.
  3. Assist Purchasing Staff in the review and application of the City's Purchasing By-Law, which governs how the City procures and contracts for good and services in accordance with applicable trade agreements and law.
• Employment and Labour Law
  1. Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and work on matters such as grievances, Labour Relations Board arbitrations, Human Rights Tribunal complaints, mediations, and workplace investigations.
  2. Advise on employment contracts, human resources policies, and related legislation.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Articling Student will:

• Gain exposure to a broad range of files in each of the practice areas described above.
• Provide legal research support and prepare memoranda and legal opinions.
• Prepare litigation documents in support of litigation including pleadings, witness statements, affidavits, motion materials, facta, settlement agreements, and other litigation documents as required. Appear with counsel to represent the City before courts and tribunals.
• Provide legal support for review of land development applications, planning policy, and matters before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
• Draft and provide advice in relation to a broad range of contracts described above.
• Prepare reports and memoranda to Council.
• Gain exposure to and assist in title searching, preparing agreements of purchase and sale, securing easement rights for roads and municipal infrastructure projects, and preparing leases, licenses and other property related agreements.
• Prepare municipal by-laws, policies and procedures.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations.

Our articling student will be given valuable hands-on experience and responsibilities within a friendly and supportive environment.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for the Articling Student position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Completion of LL.B. or J.D. or enrollment in final year of academic study at an accredited law school, or LSO approved equivalency
• Such other articling student eligibility requirements as required by the Law Society of Ontario
• Strong verbal and written communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Solution-oriented with an ability to take initiative, while being able to effectively manage shifting priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

Application Requirements:

Together with your resume, please provide a cover letter and your undergraduate, graduate (if applicable) and law school transcripts.

Work Mode & Job Location: The City is currently working under a hybrid work model whereby in-office days are spent at the City's Legal Services Department office located at 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.