Assistant County Counsel

Position Overview

The County of Brant is seeking an Assistant County Counsel for a temporary assignment lasting up to 18 months. This role is based at the Burford Administration Office and includes the flexibility to work remotely.

Reporting Line

This position reports to the County Solicitor & Corporate Counsel.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the Legal Services Department by helping deliver municipal programs, services, procedures, and policy objectives in line with Council direction, applicable legislation, and statutory obligations, while keeping work cost-effective and efficient.
• Lead prosecutions from start to finish under the Provincial Offences Act, including matters arising from provincial laws and County of Brant by-laws, and carry them through to possible appeals.
• Advise Council, committees, and municipal staff on a wide range of legal issues affecting the municipality.
• Support the County Solicitor and/or act on behalf of the County in litigation, with particular focus on Ontario Land Tribunal appeals and other matters before courts, boards, and tribunals.
• Prepare notices, pleadings, case management materials, and settlement-related documentation, and represent the County at trials and hearings.
• Help manage non-insured claims such as construction lien, property damage, and procurement matters, and complete follow-up actions needed to protect municipal interests.
• Draft reports and memoranda for Council, committees, and staff on the impact of legislation and policy changes.
• Negotiate, draft, review, and complete contracts and related terms and conditions, including preparing standard template agreements.
• Examine agreements, policies, procedures, and related documents to identify issues involving legality, enforceability, and proper form.
• Perform legal research and prepare opinions, reports, and written analysis with recommendations on response, implementation, or next steps.
• Handle special assignments and negotiations with vendors, contractors, litigants, customers, and other parties.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• LL.B. or Juris Doctor (JD), or an equivalent credential from a recognized and accredited university.
• Active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Authorization to practise law in Ontario.
• At least 5 years of Ontario legal experience representing a municipality, another level of government, or a private firm serving primarily municipal clients, with a focus on litigation, especially before the Ontario Land Tribunal and/or Superior Court of Justice.
• Strong knowledge of municipal law and related legislation, including the Municipal Act, Planning Act, Statutory Powers and Procedures Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, and Provincial Offences Act.
• Practical understanding of procedures and practices in the Ontario Land Tribunal, Ontario Court of Justice, Provincial Offences Court, and Superior Court of Justice.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of federal and provincial statutes, regulations, rulings, orders, and court or tribunal decisions that affect municipal government.
• Ability to provide high-quality public service and deal respectfully and effectively with staff, elected officials, boards and commissions, unions, community organizations, the public, and legal and insurance representatives.
• Well-developed administrative, research, problem-solving, communication, negotiation, presentation, analytical, writing, drafting, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage highly confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to offer clear advice and direction orally and in writing.
• Strong strategic, creative, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and conceptual abilities, plus a collaborative working style aligned with organizational goals.
• Capacity to work independently under pressure, manage shifting priorities, and maintain dependable customer service for internal clients.
• Demonstrated safe work practices.
• Valid Class G driver’s licence and access to a vehicle for municipal business.

Preferred Experience

Experience in real estate law and contract law is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

The role is scheduled for 35 hours per week.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $68.63 to $80.30 per hour at Job Grade 11.

Application Information

The posting date is Monday, June 15, 2026, and the application deadline is Friday, July 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Accessibility and Privacy

The County of Brant provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process. If you need an accommodation, please let the County know when you are contacted regarding the opportunity. Personal information collected through the application process is gathered under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Selection Notice

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.