Senior Legal Counsel, Labour and Employment

The University of Alberta is currently seeking an experienced legal professional for a Senior Legal Counsel, Labor and Employment position.  The successful incumbent will report directly to the General Counsel but also will collaborate closely with the AVP and Directors within Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment and with the the Director of Faculty Relations.

This position provides specialized legal advice on labour and employment-related matters including employee human rights issues. This position may also represent the University before the courts, tribunals or arbitrators on grievance arbitrations, human rights complaints, Workers’ Compensation appeals and other litigation. This position works closely with Human Resources and Faculty Relations leadership and other members of the management team regarding labour and employment law matters.  This position would also work closely with external legal counsel as needed.

Responsibilities Include:

• Deliver strategic and specialized legal advice on a wide range of labour relations and employment issues, including collective agreement interpretation, discipline and termination, privacy, human rights and duty to accommodate,  occupational health and safety obligations, workplace safety, and related statutory obligations.
• Represents the university before the courts, tribunals, provincial agencies and other government authorities and arbitrators on labour and employment law matters.
• Reviews claims related to labour relations and employment matters, assesses exposure to liability, and in consultation with the General Counsel makes recommendations to the Faculty Relations portfolio and/or the AVP (HRHSE) portfolio and/or senior management on how cases should be handled, including assigning to outside counsel when appropriate.
• Draft and review a wide range of agreements including employment contracts, severance agreements and settlement agreements. This would include the creation of template agreements where appropriate.
• Provide support during the collective bargaining process.
• Provide interpretation of relevant University policies and legislation.

To be successful in this position, the incumbent will possess the following skills and experience:

• Law Degree and Member of Law Society of Alberta (or immediately eligible to be a member).
• Minimum 5 years of labour and employment practice in a law firm or in a corporate or institutional environment with a track record of success.  Experience in the post-secondary or public sector would be a clear asset.
• Knowledge and experience with applicable legislation including the Alberta Labour Relations Code, Employment Standards Code, OHS, WCB and the Alberta Human Rights Act.
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills and experience in grievance arbitration, and labour board proceedings; experience in human rights tribunal and judicial proceedings preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations, ability to work as a team member and to interact successfully with people at all levels of the organization, including lawyers, clients and outside counsel.
• Strong written skills and superior verbal communication skills to present and discuss business focused issues with both internal and external stakeholders in order to gain understanding, influence others and build relationships. 

In accordance with the Handbook of Terms and Conditions of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded) , this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Management and Professional Staff Benefits  webpage  and annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

This position is located at North Campus, Edmonton.

How to Apply

Please apply online with your cover letter and curriculum vitae as one document.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.