In-House Municipal Legal Practice

Explore the world of municipal law with our new webinar series tailored for in-house counsel. From understanding the pivotal role legal services play within municipalities to navigating the unique challenges of working with Councils, this series offers an insider's look into the daily life of municipal lawyers. Each session offers practical advice and strategies that can be immediately applied.

Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of the lawyer-client relationship in a municipal setting, learn how to maximize the value of your legal department or simply hear firsthand experiences from seasoned professionals, this series has something for you. Join us for an opportunity to gain actionable knowledge, hear diverse perspectives and connect with peers in the public sector.

This series is free for members, and $25 per webinar or $75 for the series for non-members.

Registration

Click on the bundle link below to register. You can select individual webinars during the registration process if desired. If you experience any trouble registering, please email CLE@ccca-cba.org for assistance.

IN-HOUSE MUNICIPAL LEGAL PRACTICE (4-PART BUNDLE)  October 22 - December 12, 2024
The Role of In-House Municipal Counsel October 22, 2024
The Lawyer-Client Relationship in a Municipal Setting  November 20, 2024
Maximizing Value of a Municipal Legal Department  November 28, 2024
In-House Municipal Law Round-Up  December 12, 2024

Webinar Descriptions

The Role of In-House Municipal Counsel 
October 22, 2024 | 12 noon to 1 pm (ET)

As “creatures of the provinces” and the level of government that most directly touches the lives of Ontario residents in a vast array of ways, municipalities occupy a unique position in our government structure. Join the discussion with our experienced in-house counsel to learn more about the day-to-day practice of municipal law. Our conversation will canvass:

  • The role of legal services in a municipal corporation
  • Unique aspects of being in-house in a municipality vs. in the private sector and other in-house environment
  • Different “hats” worn by in-house municipal counsel
  • Why municipal legal practice may be a good fit for you

Speakers:

  • Jason Hunt, Regional Solicitor and Director of Legal Services – Region of Durham
  • Matthew Todd, Director of Legal and Legislative Services – Municipality of Leamington
  • Ray Mickevicius, Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate Law – City of Toronto
  • Lisa Shields, City Solicitor – City of Hamilton
  • Diana Soos, Director of Legal Services and Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate and Development Law – City of Vaughan

The Lawyer-Client Relationship in a Municipal Setting 
November 20, 2024 | 12 noon to 1 pm (ET)

We know that Council is the ultimate decision-authority in a municipality, making it the “client” in a lawyer-client relationship. But what is the role of staff in providing instructions to lawyers? In this session, our panelists will explore the lawyer-client relationship between legal counsel and the municipality. Join us to hear important insights on:

  • Who the client is when obtaining instructions and providing advice
  • The role of the Mayor as a “client” in Ontario municipalities that have “Strong Mayor Powers” 
  • Collaboration strategies for in-house and external counsel in providing legal services

Speakers:

  • Wendy Law, Deputy City Manager, Legal and Administrative Services & City Solicitor – City of Vaughan;
  • Ray Mickevicius, Deputy City Solicitor, Real Estate Law – City of Toronto
  • Arend Wakeford, Senior Legal Counsel – Region of Durham

Maximizing Value of a Municipal Legal Department
November 28, 2024 | 12 noon to 1 pm (ET)

In this session, we will shine a light on the value proposition for in-house legal services, including strategies for developing and presenting the business case to Council. Looking at case studies from two municipalities that differ in population, location and size of legal departments, we’ll identify commonalities for structuring and building their departments. We’ll also explore:

  • The use of KPIs to measure successes and identify gaps in legal service delivery
  • How to forecast demands and budgeting requirements to structure the department
  • Challenges and internal restraints
  • Insights on recruiting and retaining talent

Speakers:

  • Wendy Law, Deputy City Manager, Legal and Administrative Services & City Solicitor – City of Vaughan
  • Annette Diamond, Executive Director of Legal/Corporate Services – Perth County 

In-House Municipal Law Round-Up
December 12, 2024 | 12 noon to 1 pm (ET)

There are more than 4,500 municipalities in Canada, making this sector a significant employer of in-house lawyers. However, the law departments themselves each vary in size from a single lawyer to hundreds of lawyers depending on the needs of the municipality. Our panelists for this final session, who come from a range of departmental sizes, will talk about the pros and cons of their work environments, and share how they use various resources to maximize effectiveness and productivity, while maintaining quality of service. 

Speakers:

  • Louise Vrebosch, Deputy City Solicitor, Litigation and Municipal Law – City of Vaughan
  • Tammy Grove, Municipal Solicitor – Town of Saugeen Shores
  • Jameson Pritiko, Lawyer – Municipality of Leamington
  • Zella Phillips, Solicitor, Municipal Law Section – City of Toronto
  • Kate Tracey, Senior Legal Counsel – City of Windsor