Job Summary

This position is responsible for specialized legal proceedings as they relate to litigation and the management of the claims area of work.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs specialized legal proceedings in the areas of litigation and labour relations, including drafting Statements of Claim, Statements of Defence, Affidavits, Briefs of Law and multi-volume appeal books and any such other legal documentation for labour relations matters.  Attends to arranging service of documents and hiring of process servers, arranging filing of documents in various courts and administrative tribunals, preparing trial materials, arranging for Examinations for Discovery and the obtaining of transcripts, including preparing materials for witnesses and preparing witnesses for court appearances or arbitration hearings, corresponding both orally and in writing with other law firms and court registrars, and arranging for payment of legal expenses.
• Leads the necessary duties for the preparation of documentary disclosure on litigation files; including research and assistance with document review and preparation of Affidavit of Documents.
• Attends and represents the City at administrative tribunals and Small Claims Court and any other level of court or tribunal, including labour relations matters, as determined under the supervision of a Legal Counsel, including the preparation and presentation of oral legal argument as required.
• Performs a variety of legal and historical documentary research and analysis including obtaining information from legal sources, retrieving and analysing caselaw, retrieving and analysing legislation, legal articles and precedents.
• Maintains both electronic and paper files by ensuring document and correspondence are managed efficiently by collecting, reviewing and maintaining accurate, up-to-date files.
• Directs the resolution of all personal injury and property damage claims made by and against the City, utilizing legal advice.
• Collects, reviews and evaluates all information required to adjust property damage claims including interviewing claimants and related witnesses, determining liability and quantum of damages.
• Investigates, initiates and manages all personal injury claims, in consultation with a Legal Counsel, including denials, negotiation and/or settlement of claims while maintaining courteous, constructive and positive relations with the public, claimants, adjusters and insurers.
• Works with all City Divisions and Departments to research, collect and maintain information and evidence related to labour relations issues and claims from various internal and external resources and oversees the reporting of relevant claims information to other City Divisions and Departments.
• Maintains or develops systems for collecting, organizing and evaluating information and evidence relating to claims from various internal and external resources.
• Oversees a Legal Assistant in performance of duties related to maintenance of the Legal Counsel’s Claims database by ensuring all relevant data is entered and ability to generate reports for internal and departmental use, including claims and insurance reports and charts.
• Oversees a Legal Assistant in performance of duties related to maintenance of monthly, quarterly and yearly claims data, including type and amount of claim, number of claims settled or outstanding and maintains accurate records of reserve accounts.
• Works with a Legal Counsel to advise the City Solicitor of all major property damage and personal injury claims.
• Carries out special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of civil litigation, labour relations and administrative law practices and procedures, both as to forms and process.
• Knowledge of insurance documents and terminology.
• Knowledge of legal documents, terminology and court rules such as format requirements and time constraints relating to the filing of pleadings.
• Knowledge of Rules of Court and of the specialized rules and guidelines of various tribunals.
• Knowledge of the municipal corporation and its operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively , orally and in writing, with other law firms, Registrar’s offices, process servers, court reporters, the public and other civic departments.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, work under time pressure, to meet tight deadlines, to determine priorities amid competing matters.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to deal with sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of automated case management and document management systems and use of various external legal databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work positively, courteously and constructively with the public in difficult circumstances when responding to enquiries.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with claimants, municipal officials, insurance adjusters and brokers, other civic employees and members of the public.
• Skill in the operation of office equipment, including with the current Microsoft Office suite.