Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
Job ID #31201 Law Clerk
Union: Non Union
Job Description ID #: 1959
Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on August 20 2025
Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Manager, Legal Services, provides a full range of law clerk support relating to a full-service law office, including dispute resolution, corporate, development and policy work. This position will primarily support litigation lawyers within the Section.
GENERAL DUTIES
Assists lawyers in a variety of types of litigation matters by drafting pleadings, interviewing witnesses, compiling and summarizing evidence, obtaining subpoenas, preparing exhibits and other required documents.
Researches and assists with the preparation of detail required for legal opinions, court litigation, Tribunals, meetings of City Council, Committees of Council and Boards and Commissions.
Uses detailed knowledge of municipality or litigation to prepare drafts of correspondence, settlement documents and other legal documents and service and court filing when necessary.
Assist and accompany lawyers to attend court and administrative hearings as required and to the extent permitted by the Law Society.
Liaises with other divisions and all levels of government including other municipalities, including communications with staff at all levels.
Manage various collection claims as may be assigned and which may require attendance before Small Claims Court to the extent permitted by applicable Law Society rules and regulations.
Word processes documents, correspondence, forms and research.
Maintain calendar by entering and updating requirements and limitations for court dates as necessary. Maintains office filing system and related file management.
Receives visitors, including being available for service of documents, answers general enquiries in person and by telephone and refers enquiries to the appropriate person when required.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
Proven knowledge of law clerk practices, procedures and theories normally acquired by attaining a diploma in a Law Clerk program from a Community College or attaining certification/membership in the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Progressive law clerk experience preferably in a Municipal Legal Department or other in-house legal department or private law firm.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience within a common law jurisdiction.
Experience in a computerized environment and able to conduct online legal research. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel), Abode Acrobat Pro, OnCorp, ACL, Westlaw, caselines and on-line court portal.
Strong time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills. Ability to self-manage and work independently, set priorities and meet tight deadlines and possess the initiative and have the ability to carry out instruction without detailed direction.
Good interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of individuals, both internally and externally.
Ability to locate and accurately utilize relevant legal precedent documents.
Ability to locate and interpret Provincial and Federal Statutes and Regulations and Municipal By-Laws as they relate to day-to-day activities.
Must possess effective written and verbal skills in preparation of correspondence and legal documents.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
