Senior Legal Counsel – Real Estate & Development Law

About the role

The City of Vaughan is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to lead its Real Estate and Development Law practice. Reporting to the Deputy City Solicitor, you will provide comprehensive legal support for land development projects and municipal initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex land development agreements, including subdivision, site‑plan, spine‑servicing, and development charge deferral agreements.
• Prepare and amend bylaws, policies, and other corporate‑wide legal documents.
• Lead strategic operational initiatives for the real‑estate practice area.
• Supervise paralegals, law clerks, students, and other legal staff as assigned.
• Act as backup to the Deputy City Solicitor when required.

Required profile

• LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum five years of experience in real‑estate and land‑development law, preferably within municipal or government settings.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, research, and decision‑making skills.

Required skills

• Legal drafting and negotiation of real‑estate agreements.
• Interpretation of complex statutory and regulatory frameworks.
• Stakeholder engagement and political acumen.

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time position with competitive benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements supporting work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth within a diverse, inclusive municipality.