Municipal Prosecutor

Position Details

• Closing Date: 2026-09-09
• Vacancy Type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
• Department: Legal Services

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.

Summary of Duties

Reporting to the Supervisor, Municipal Prosecutions and to a lawyer, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Prosecutorial Standards as set out by the Province of Ontario and Professional Rules, responsible for conducting prosecutions and appeals in the Ontario Court of Justice for offences under provincial statutes, selected federal statutes and municipal by-laws.

General Duties

• Conduct prosecutions (i.e. first attendance, pre-trials, trials, pre-appeals and appeals) under provincial statutes, selected federal statutes and municipal by-laws in provincial court by:
  • Evaluating charges to determine if they have been sufficiently investigated and all evidence is collected.
  • Reviewing admissibility of evidence.
  • Determining the appropriate courses of action (i.e. determine whether or not to proceed with prosecution or to withdraw charges), research and analysis of issues.
  • Conducting disclosures, motions including responding to motions under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and other pre-trial proceedings.
  • Reviewing statements of witnesses, interviewing and preparing expert and civilian witnesses.
  • Preparing and directing the preparation and serving of associated court documents.
  • Negotiating settlements as required.
  • Presenting oral and written legal arguments in the Ontario Court of Justice.
• Provide advice and guidance to law enforcement officials, members of the legal profession, Ministry officials, general public, Justices of the Peace and City staff based on knowledge of the requirements and procedures under the Provincial Offences Act (POA).
• Engage in resolution discussions with opposing counsel, agents and members of the public in complex and sensitive matters requiring defusing of tensions, diplomacy and balancing of competing interests.
• Conduct extensive research. Analyze and interpret developing case law and amendments to legislation required in preparation for trial. Compose complex technical legal documents and correspondence. Prepare oral and written legal submissions and facta. Summarize evidence and make submissions including recommendations for judgment and sentence.
• Act as liaison with and resource to POA court services and POA collections financial staff.
• Notify the supervisor of any matters that may raise substantive legal issues at trial or appeal.
• Recommend changes to existing policy and procedures related to prosecution activities.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, enforcement agencies and municipal staff concerning prosecutions.
• Provide searches of title, subsearches, approval of forms and registration of documentation for enforcement departments.
• Assist with instruction of enforcement staff on prosecution related issues and conduct educational seminars.
• Occasionally travel outside jurisdiction to prosecute offences in other municipalities.
• Train, supervise and assign work to co-op students and legal assistants.
• Work in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and City policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge in law, advocacy, provincial and federal statutes and municipal by-laws acquired through diploma in Court and Tribunal Agent Program, Paralegal Program recognized by the Law Society of Upper Canada or related court experience.
• Preferred two to three years of prosecution experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with investigation techniques used by enforcement agencies.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to be diplomatic.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.