Job Posting Date: January 17, 2013
Internal/External
Competition #: 13-008N
Solicitor 1 Litigation
Legal Services, Insurance and Risk Management Services
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), as a deliverer of municipal government services, is involved in a broad range of activities that exposes it to legal challenges including legislative challenges, personal injury litigation, commercial litigation and arbitrations, labour arbitrations and advocacy before numerous tribunals. With HRM as its client, Legal Services provides quality, cost effective, timely and accessible legal services to meet the needs of HRM through its Council, various departments, boards, commissions, and employees.
The Solicitor I is a member of the Legal Services team, reporting to a Team Lead and the Director, and is responsible for providing legal services to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) supporting the assigned area of responsibility in Legal Services. The Solicitor I is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to HRM staff conducting daily business and long term planning for the HRM. The Solicitor I will provide accessible, efficient and expert counsel in legal matters responsive to client department needs. The Solicitor I will be client focused and a self-motivated individual who will work both independently and with a team of lawyers and support staff in the delivery of legal services to HRM client departments.
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) requests applications for Solicitor I in the assigned area of Litigation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the conduct of litigation including their own caseload and assist senior counsel with more complex cases . Reporting to the Team Lead of Litigation and working with support staff, the Solicitor provides expert advice. This is an entry level opportunity and the ideal candidate will be able to work independently as well as with a team.
Under the general guidance of the Litigation Team Lead the Solicitor will conduct and assist senior counsel with pretrial and prehearing preparation and the conduct of trial/hearing and dispute resolution. The incumbent supports the team, conducts expert research, receives witness testimony and advises internal and external clients on legal procedures and processes. The successful candidate manages case files, prioritizes workloads and plays a key role in ensuring team efficiency and providing excellent customer service and works independently within the structure of Legal Services to protect the legal interests of the HRM.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participates as part of the litigation team
- Conduct of arbitration/litigation/dispute resolution
- Case management of legal files
- Instructs on results of legal research
- Performs systematic legal research in support of litigation team
- Recommends and advises internal and external clientele on legal processes and procedures
- Assists other counsel with preparation and conduct of arbitrations/litigation
- Interviews witnesses and documents witness testimony where authorized
- Communicates with Client Departments and ensures all relevant information is provided to Legal Services
- Provides technical advice and guidance to clients/counsel/interested parties/agencies on the application of legislation and civil law and/or criminal law with respect to the rules and procedures of legal systems
- Writes legal summaries, reports and letters
- Updates administrative records/databases/information systems as required
- Attends meetings and maintains records as required
- Other
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Law from a recognized University
- Member of the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society or be qualified to be admitted
- Litigation experience an asset
Technical/Job Specific Knowledge: - Knowledge of pretrial/hearing/dispute resolution preparation/civil procedure rules an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of legal theories and principles
- Demonstrated knowledge of related legal terminology
- Experienced in Litigation research
- Proficiency in writing legal analysis/summaries
- Superior proof-reading and writing skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of Case Management and Litigation files
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Word/Excel
Behavioural Competencies
The following competencies are considered essential for successful performance in the area of work.
Quality of Work
Implies a commitment to meet or exceed a standard of excellence, focusing attention on achieving effective outcomes, demonstrating a sense of urgency, and showing initiative in developing and implementing decisions focused on achieving business results. It requires an awareness of the business issues, processes and outcomes as they impact the organization’s strategic direction.
Client Service
Implies a commitment to help or serve others, to meet client needs in alignment to corporate goals and objectives. It implies focusing ones efforts on building relationships, and discovering and meeting the needs of internal colleagues, citizens, elected officials or anyone that the person in contact with. It implies demonstrating a positive attitude, energy, resilience, stamina and the courage to take responsible risks. It also implies demonstrating the knowledge and skills applied to lawyers to prevent, monitor, control and transfer risk.
Communication
Implies effective, timely and relevant exchange of information that is respectful of the diversity of people and the geography and working environments of internal colleagues, citizens, elected officials or anyone that the person is communicating with. It includes receiving information, listening, understanding and responding openly and effectively in interactions with others. It includes assessing information to understand both content and intent, to detect missing information, errors and contradictions. It also implies that this information is processed into effective actions.
HRM offers a competitive compensation package and salary which will be commensurate with the individual's experience. Please submit your application and cover letter by closing date to be considered for this position.
The Solicitor works in a challenging environment that is constantly changing and is accountable for providing quality work within strict deadlines. The incumbent works independently with minimal supervision and adheres to professional and ethical behaviour expected of the legal profession.
Hours of Work: Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with additional hours as required to meet the needs of the client and organization .
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with experience and education within the Solicitor 1 pay band $40,000 - $88,500 . If you are considering a challenging career move that offers a competitive compensation package with benefits and pension plan, and if you are seeking to join the team that provides legal expertise to HRM staff and Council, please submit your application with cover letter.
Closing Date: applications will be received up to midnight, January 31, 2013.
As an Employment Equity Employer, the Halifax Regional Municipality is seeking to increase the representation of qualified racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal persons in the workplace. HRM encourages applicants to self-identify.
Qualified HRM retirees may also be considered for competitions if other qualified candidates are not available, and the retiree possesses specialized knowledge and/or a unique skill set not otherwise available. In these circumstances, a form of employment may be offered, including term and/or contract employment.
Please Note: Once you have submitted your resume, an on-line questionnaire(s) will appear on screen and must be completed in order to be considered for this position.
po# 78615827
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