Legal Counsel

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS)

The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS) is responsible for providing strategic legal, compliance, privacy and risk advice, facilitating sound decision-making and processes, and enabling the University to carry out its academic mission in accordance with the University’s legal, governance and regulatory responsibilities. GCBS has responsibility for key University legal, governance and risk functions including legal services, privacy, access to information, compliance, enterprise risk management, insurance, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Counsel, Secretary of the Board of Governors, and Chief Privacy Officer, the Legal Counsel will provide legal services to the University related to administrative law, litigation, human rights, labour / employment, privacy / access and policy, arising from the business of the University.

The successful incumbent will provide advice to senior leaders, faculties, schools and administrative units in support of strategic and operational decisions, conduct legal analysis and research, draft pleadings and other documents, and advise on risks and liabilities in matters relating to students, trainees, faculty and staff in a timely and effective manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice regarding potential or actual litigation involving University interests, including internal tribunal matters (i.e. student conduct, academic appeals), external tribunals (i.e. human rights applications), and courts.
• Drafts, reviews and revises a range of documents to represent the University, including pleadings, submissions to regulatory bodies, settlement documents, letters to complainants/applicants/plaintiffs or their counsel.
• Advises on administrative law principles, and supports the investigation processes under University policies and applicable legislation.
• In consultation with the General Counsel/Chief Privacy Officer, provides legal advice on privacy and FIPPA-related matters, including submissions to and appeals before the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
• Provides legal advice and opinions on labour and employment matters at the University, including workplace accommodation, occupational health and safety, faculty hiring/ employment, employment contracts and collective agreement interpretation.
• Researches, identifies, and provides updates on case law, legislative requirements and legal trends affecting the University, including, drafting memoranda for senior University leadership.
• Participates in the development of precedents, workflow practices, and processes for routine matters and key legal operations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent law degree is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law in a law firm or in-house or government legal department setting, including at least two (2) years’ prior experience in administrative law, litigation or litigation management.
• Prior experience in labour / employment law, human rights, insurance and privacy/access would be an asset.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• Strong ability and experience in drafting accurate, complete and persuasive legal documents such as pleadings, legal responses, memoranda and correspondence.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the post-secondary education sector and broader public sector is preferred.
• Exceptional analytical skills with strong attention to detail, judgment and decision making skills.
• Solid organizational skills, including time management to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Sound judgement, including the ability to handle sensitive and confidential manners with tact.
• Exceptional customer service skills to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number(s)20001993Reports ToAssociate/Assistant General Counsel DepartmentOffice of the General CounselVacancy TypeFTCEEmployee GroupMACWork LocationHybrid (3 days in-person/on-campus and remaining days remote), based on operational requirements and subject to changeStart DateASAPEnd DateN/AHours of Work36.25Grade D62Salary Scale$106,21- $169,666Hiring Salary Range$124,146 - $137,940TA SpecialistLaurie ShemavonianPosting DateOctober 21, 2024Application Close DateNovember 15, 2024

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.