Associate University Counsel (Corporate)

Date Posted: 04/17/2024
Req ID:36981
Faculty/Division: Office of the President
Department: Office of University Counsel
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & University Counsel, the Associate University Counsel (Corporate) provides leadership and is accountable for supporting the work of a specialized team of experienced legal counsel within the Office of University Counsel.  In addition, the Associate University Counsel provides leadership, advice and legal expertise to various academic and administrative leaders across the University in their specialized practice area.  This would include the provision of legal advice where a general requirement to advise proactively on developments in law, legal exposures as well as risks and potential legal challenges.  The incumbent provides guidance and advice in their area of legal specialty that includes legal analysis, research, drafting, editing, negotiating of legal documents and University policy, procedures or guidelines.  

The Associate University Counsel works closely with the Chief Legal Officer & University Counsel in meeting the mandate and accountabilities of the Office of University Counsel.  The incumbent leads a team of lawyers with expertise in one of two areas: corporate and commercial law or litigation and administrative law.  The other team will be led by a second Associate University Counsel.  

In this leadership capacity, the incumbent ensures the provision of excellent and consistent legal advice to clients within the University community with a view to mitigate legal risk and liability. The incumbent works closely with the in-house lawyers, senior leadership and liaises with external legal counsel representing the University to advise on relevant University policies, procedures and contracts and to provide strategic advice and direction.

Qualifications Required:

I.    EDUCATION:

A Bachelors of law degree (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; eligible to become a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.

II.    EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 15 years’ experience in legal practice, including experience in at least three or more of the following practice areas: administrative law, civil litigation, labour and employment, human rights, corporate and commercial law, contracts, post-secondary education, intellectual property, privacy, freedom of information, insurance, real estate, and health care law. 

Experience drafting, analyzing and interpreting legal documents. Experience in drafting, interpreting and evaluating policies and procedural requirements. Experience preparing, reviewing and negotiating contracts in a complex environment. Familiarity and experience with the policies and practices of universities relating to administrative law, health law, regulated professions and/or regulated industries and experience with higher education issues, university structure and governance an asset.  

Experience in and knowledge of the University of Toronto including its structure, governance and policies is preferred. 

Experience working simultaneously on a variety of complex projects with established deadlines and ad hoc requests is expected.

Experience identifying legal issues and risks within a university environment, or in other similar large and complex organizations.
Proven competence in the timely delivery of sound legal advice and documentation.
Demonstrated leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience managing internal legal staff.
Demonstrated experience working with and overseeing external counsel and other professional service providers, ensuring positive working relationships and good value. 

III.    SKILLS:

Demonstrated superior oral and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
Excellent tact, judgment, and discretion.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with all components of the University constituents, including frequent contact with academic administrators and senior administrative staff.
Capacity to build respectful and collegial relationships and deal with a wide range of individuals tactfully and diplomatically.
Must be able to interact with members of the organization at all levels and be able to exercise sound judgement and tact when providing advice or guidance to clients.
Must demonstrate an active and engaged commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity principles to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect pursuant to the Human Rights Code and related legislation.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying to this role.

Closing Date: 05/13/2024,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 9 -- Hiring Zone: $182,286 - $212,669 -- Broadband Salary Range: $182,286 - $303,812 (Open)
Job Category: Legal