Vaughan recognized for excellence in legal services

The City of Vaughan’s Legal Services department has been recognized by the Canadian Law Awards for their efforts in making Vaughan a municipal leader in legal innovation and efficiency. During a special ceremonial presentation at today’s Committee of the Whole (1) meeting, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized the department for receiving the 2024 Law Department Innovation Award. 

By transforming traditional legal practices and implementing modern project management procedures, the Legal Services team has created a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to managing complex legal challenges. 

In 2023, the department collaborated with the City’s Planning and Growth Management portfolio to undertake a transformative initiative, combining Project Management Professional (PMP) disciplines with legal practice management related to the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law. The result, the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Appeals Project, has improved how complex planning litigation is managed, demonstrating the City’s commitment to innovative legal solutions that maximizes impact and effectively uses resources. This project exemplifies the highest standards of legal practice and has made a positive impact on our development and planning process.

Now in its fifth year, the Canadian Law Awards is one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the legal community. It recognizes accomplishments among law firms, both large and small, in-house legal departments, individuals and significant transactions from across Canada. The awards provide a platform to showcase the work of legal professionals in various areas of expertise. The 2024 winners were revealed at a celebratory event on May 9, 2024, and will be profiled in the Canadian Lawyer magazine this year.

Learn more about the City’s Legal Services department at vaughan.ca.

QUOTES

“Combining project management methods with legal practices to tackle appeals for the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law is innovative and forward-thinking. At the City of Vaughan, we are proud to foster a culture of continuous improvement, and this award is a testament to our Legal Services department’s commitment to Service Excellence. This transformative project has the potential to change how lawyers and legal departments operate. It also highlights something we already know: our staff are among the best in the world. On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I want to extend sincere congratulations to everyone in our Legal Services department on this incredible, and well-deserved achievement!”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“We are proud that the City of Vaughan’s Legal Services department is being recognized alongside other top legal professionals in Canada through the 2024 Canadian Law Awards. The department’s innovative approach to integrating project management with legal practice has not only delivered significant cost savings and improved efficiency, but also set a new standard for how municipal legal departments can approach these collaborative projects. This award celebrates Legal Services’ hard work and creativity. Congratulations to the entire department on receiving this prestigious award.”

- Nick Spensieri, City Manager 

“The City of Vaughan’s Legal Services department is incredibly honoured to have been presented with the Law Department Innovation Award from the 2024 Canadian Law Awards. The Comprehensive Zoning By-law Appeals Project was recognized for an innovative approach to managing large scale litigation. This project would not have been possible without the support of Planning and Growth Management. All the staff involved were willing and ready to explore new ways of collaboration, demonstrating the success we have seen in this project. Thank you to both teams for your dedication to excellence.”

- Wendy Law, Deputy City Manager, Legal and Administrative Services and City Solicitor

QUICK FACTS 

• The Canadian Law Awards is a prestigious event that aims to celebrate and honour outstanding achievements in the Canadian legal profession.
• Now in its fifth year, this awards ceremony recognizes not only top law firms and in-house legal teams, but also individuals, deals and cases that have demonstrated excellence and made significant contributions to the legal profession.
• The Canadian Law Awards are a true reflection of the highest standards and accomplishments within the Canadian legal landscape.

LEARN MORE 

• The City’s Legal Services department webpage

• The Canadian Law Awards 2024 winners and excellence awardees