Director of Legal Services

Kingsron Police

  • Kingston, ON
  • $165,753-204,692 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
In partnership with the community, Kingston Police serves, supports and protects the safety of everyone in the City of Kingston. With over 200 police officers and 100 civilian employees, we strive to establish Kingston Police as an exemplary organization by inspiring public confidence, professionalism, accountable policing, and increased safety demonstrated through trusting relationships with partner agencies and the diverse members of the Kingston community.Position SummaryThe Director of Legal Services provides strategic legal advice and guidance to the Chief of Police and Kingston Police leadership. The position protects and advances the legal interests of Kingston Police by ensuring that policies, programs, decisions, and operations comply with applicable legislation and legal standards.The Director provides legal representation and advocacy on behalf of the Service and the Kingston Police Service Board before courts, tribunals, and administrative bodies, and supports the organization in managing legal risk, professional standards matters, labour and employment issues, and privacy obligations.This position is part of the Senior Officers Association (SOA) membership group. The position is excluded from the Collective Agreement between the SOA and the Kingston Police Service Board (the Board) pursuant to Section 220 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The terms and conditions of employment are to be established by agreement between the Board and SOA. Salary is based on a 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday.Please also note that this job posting is intended to fill a vacancy for a newly created position. Kingston Police does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants.ResponsibilitiesLegal Advisory Services
  • Provides legal advice and opinions to the Chief of Police, senior leadership, and internal stakeholders on matters including police governance, employment and labour relations, administrative and police law, and applicable legislation.
  • Conducts legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Reviews and provides legal advice on proposed policies, programs, agreements, and operational initiatives to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Prepares written legal opinions, reports, briefing notes, memoranda, and correspondence.
Advocacy and Representation
  • Represents or supports the representation of the Service and the Kingston Police Service Board before courts, administrative tribunals, arbitrators, mediators, commissions, and inquests.
  • Prepares legal submissions, factums, agreements, and memoranda of understanding, and conducts written and oral advocacy as required.
  • Responds to judicial orders, motions, applications, summons, and subpoenas involving Service records or members, ensuring compliance with legal and statutory obligations while protecting privilege and the interests of the Service.
Professional Standards and Discipline
  • Provides legal advice to Professional Standards on investigations, informal resolutions, and draft investigative reports.
  • May act as counsel to the Chief of Police in hearings under the Community Safety and Policing Act on behalf of the Chief of Police, as required.
  • Advises on disciplinary matters, including potential sanctions such as training, suspensions, demotions, or termination, and provides guidance where disciplinary, criminal, or employment matters intersect.
Privacy, Access to Information and Records
  • Provides legal advice regarding compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and related privacy obligations.
  • Responds to appeals and proceedings involving access to information and privacy matters.
  • Supports organizational privacy compliance by reviewing practices, consulting with the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and conducting Privacy Impact Assessments for new initiatives involving personal information.
Strategic Legal Risk Management
  • Identifies emerging legal risks and provides strategic advice to mitigate potential liabilities to the Service.
  • Liaises and negotiates with external legal counsel, Crown Attorneys, the Kingston Police Association, and their legal representatives as required.
  • Reviews and provides advice on media responses involving legal considerations.
  • Monitors legislative developments and prepares submissions, reports, and analysis on proposed legislation or regulatory changes affecting policing.
Other Duties
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Required QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized university.
  • Licensed to practice law in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
Experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of legal experience, preferably in criminal law, administrative or police law, labour and employment law, or civil litigation.
  • Experience appearing before courts, tribunals, or administrative bodies is considered an asset.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation governing policing and public sector organizations.
Skills and Competencies
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
  • Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in a complex public-sector environment.
Closing StatementKingston Police hire on the basis of merit and are committed to reflecting the diversity of the Kingston community and Canada. We are also committed to ensure a non-discriminatory, barrier-free and accessible recruitment experience. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us by emailing . Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Kingsron Police