City Solicitor – Chief Legal Officer for Toronto

About the role

The City of Toronto is seeking a senior legal executive to serve as its City Solicitor, the chief legal officer and principal advisor to Council, the Mayor and senior city officials. This role provides strategic legal guidance on complex municipal, regulatory, and public policy matters while ensuring the city’s legal interests are protected.

Key responsibilities

• Advise City Council, the Mayor, committees and senior staff on legal, governance, regulatory and policy issues of high complexity and visibility.
• Lead Legal Services, including Court Services, Provincial Offences Court, the Administrative Penalty System and city tribunals.
• Oversee a broad legal portfolio covering municipal, employment, planning, real estate, transit expansion, litigation, prosecutions and specialized areas.
• Manage a large professional team, driving modernization of legal, court and tribunal services.
• Support the delivery of Council priorities through sound legal risk management.

Required profile

• LL.B. or J.D. and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Extensive senior legal leadership experience in large, complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Proven track record advising governing bodies, elected officials and executives on high‑stakes legal and policy matters.
• Demonstrated judgment, integrity, political acuity and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.

Required skills

• Expertise in municipal, employment, planning, administrative and real‑estate law.
• Experience managing high‑profile litigation and major transactions.
• Leadership of professional legal teams and large‑scale service delivery.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape legal strategy for Canada’s largest city.
• Leadership role within a senior executive team.
• Competitive public‑sector compensation and benefits.