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 #31659: Law Clerk
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- 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 January 28 2026.
- Duration: Up to 18 months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- 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 municipal lawyers on matters before administrative tribunals including the Assessment Review Board (ARB) and otherwise on municipal tax appeal matters as well as corporate and housing secretariat.
GENERAL DUTIES
Assists lawyers in their areas of practice by, reviewing and completing agreements, title searching, corporate searches as well as compiling and summarizing evidence, drafting legal documents, preparing exhibits and other required documents. As well as researching and assisting with the preparation of materials for submission to administrative tribunals.
Researches and assists with the preparation of detail required for legal opinions, court litigation, administrative hearings and meetings of City Council, Committees of Council and Boards and Commissions.
Uses detailed knowledge of municipality or litigation to prepare drafts of correspondence, contract agreements, settlements and other legal documents and attends to their execution and registration when necessary and to the extent permitted by applicable Law Society rules and regulations.
Attends administrative tribunals and courts as required and to the extent permitted by the Law Society.
Liaises with other divisions and all levels of government including other City municipalities, including communications with staff at all levels.
Word processes documents, correspondence, forms and research.
Maintains office filing system and related file management.
Receives visitors, 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/Paralegal 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 being licensed by the Law Society of Ontario as a paralegal, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Progressive law clerk/paralegal experience preferably in a Municipal Legal Department or other in-house legal department or private law firm.
- Demonstrated knowledge of tax appeal practices and procedures, including working knowledge and experience in the application and interpretation of Property Tax & Assessment Legislation preferred.
- 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, E-core, Teraview, Westlaw and CanLii.
- 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.
