The largest city and the regional hub of Southwest Ontario, the City of London offers an outstanding quality of life. With a population of over 500,000, London is Ontario’s fastest-growing city and is forecasted to continue growing as it attracts more individuals and businesses to its flourishing community. As with many urban cities, London faces complex social issues, such as opioid addiction, mental health, homelessness, and poverty, many of which police are called on to assist with. The London Police Service has a net budget of $181 million, comprising over 1,000 uniformed and civilian professionals. The Strategic Plan prioritizes Our People – skilled and ready to meet tomorrow’s needs; Our Community – a safe and secure environment; and Our Work – service excellence and fiscal responsibility.
About the Position
The London Police Service (LPS) is seeking a seasoned and strategic legal professional to serve as General Counsel. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to and under the direction of the Chief of Police, responsible for managing and overseeing all legal matters affecting the Service. As the Chief’s principal legal advisor, the General Counsel provides high-level legal support on a wide range of issues, including governance, operations, compliance, employment, labour relations, collective bargaining, risk management, and litigation.
While the terms and conditions of the General Counsel’s employment are governed by an individual contract of employment with the LPSB in accordance with Section 220 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the position is under the authority and direction of the Chief of Police. Meeting the statutory requirements for exclusion, the individual who occupies this role will not be covered by the collective agreement between the Board and the Association for any purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide authoritative legal advice to the Chief of Police on a wide spectrum of issues affecting the Service, including operational, governance, and statutory compliance.
- Interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and case law to support sound, strategic, and lawful decision-making within the Service.
- Drive the modernization of policies and processes, leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery across the organization.
- Advise on matters related to the implementation of new legislation, including the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA).
- Oversee the development, negotiation, and review of contracts, procurement documents, MOUs, and inter-agency agreements. These agreements can also include agreements pertaining to the employer’s interests in collective bargaining.
- Lead all employment and labour law matters, including collective agreements, workplace investigations, arbitrations, and discipline.
- Support the employer’s collective bargaining process by providing advice with respect to bargaining proposals and the legal aspects of various collective bargaining outcomes.
- Manage all legal proceedings involving the Service, including litigation, insurance claims, and human rights applications.
- Identify legal risks and implement measures to promote organizational compliance and proactive legal risk management.
- Oversee the Legal Services team, manage departmental resources and budget, and coordinate with external counsel when needed.
- Represent the Service in legal, policy, and public forums, ensuring alignment with best practices and public accountability.
Candidate Profile
You are a principled and proactive legal leader with demonstrated expertise in public sector law, ideally within policing, municipal, or government environments. You are skilled at navigating complex legal issues and delivering strategic counsel in high-stakes contexts. Your leadership is characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and sound judgment. You are adept at managing teams, building relationships, and influencing senior stakeholders while upholding the highest standards of public service and legal integrity.
Minimum Eligibility Qualifications and Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB), with membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- At least 10 years of progressive legal experience, with substantial expertise in administrative, employment, labour, and/or policing law.
- Proven experience advising senior leadership in public or quasi-public sector organizations.
- Strong background in governance, statutory interpretation, policy development, and risk management.
- Demonstrated experience in leading or supporting collective bargaining processes.
- Demonstrated experience working with boards and unions, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and support effective governance and labour relations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage legal teams and external counsel relationships.
- Exceptional communication, analytical, and negotiation skills.
To apply to this role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking here: https://rb.gy/3w55dl
Application deadline: Friday August 1st, 2025
