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 #32299: 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-cityby 4:00 p.m. on November 18, 2026.
- 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 Deputy City Solicitor, Dispute Resolution, the litigation Law Clerk provides comprehensive support to several lawyers within a full-service municipal legal department. While primarily supporting the Section's litigation practice, the successful candidate will also assist with matters involving real estate, corporate, development, and municipal policy.
The Law Clerk applies a strong understanding of municipal operations and governance to prepare legal correspondence, pleadings, agreements, and other legal documents. The role is responsible for coordinating the management of legal documents and records, and for providing litigation and administrative support in accordance with applicable Law Society rules, regulations, and professional standards.
GENERAL DUTIES
Assists lawyers in a broad range of litigation matters by drafting pleadings and other court documents, interviewing witnesses, compiling and summarizing evidence, issuing summons, conducting legal research, preparing exhibits and motion materials, drafting settlement documents, track critical deadlines and supporting all stages of the litigation process.
Attends and supports court proceedings, administrative hearings, mediations, and other legal processes with counsel as required and to the extent permitted by the Law Society.
Assist in preparing and drafting reports and opinions to Council and various Committees.
Keeps current with legal trends, practice directions, legislative developments, monitors legal issues and provides recommendations to enhance operational efficiency, internal processes, and legal documentation delivery.
Liaises with other divisions and all levels of government including other municipalities, including communications with staff at all levels.
Manages assigned legal matters, including preparing legal documentation and attending before the Small Claims Court, to the extent permitted by applicable Law Society rules, regulations, and professional standards.
Word processes documents, correspondence, forms and research.
Maintains office filing system and related file management, including calendars and bring forward systems.
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.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.
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. Experience in insurance defence, construction litigation, or administrative law would be an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience within a common law jurisdiction.
- Good analytical skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Office software (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel), Abode Acrobat Pro, ACL, Westlaw, Case Centre 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.
- 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.
