Legal Counsel

Full job description

Union/Affiliation: Administrative Professional Excluded Staff Pay range: $153,779 to $198,996 annually SFU Department Descr: Office of the General Counsel Position Grade: 17 # of openings: 1 Biweekly Hours: 72

 

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has conduct over, and is accountable for, all legal matters arising at the university and for protecting the university’s legal interests. The OGC maintains operational responsibility for University Legal Counsel, Archives and Records Management, and the Policy Office.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this position will provide legal and strategic advice to the university on a broad range of issues, though with a particular focus on advising university administration on matters related to litigation, administrative complaint processes, and the conduct of investigations. The Legal Counsel will apply sound judgment and legal analysis to provide constructive advice and problem solving to manage legal risk. In addition, the Legal Counsel will with work directly with academic and administrative units undertaking primarily barrister's work, with a focus on advising with respect to disputes and complaint response, the conduct of investigations, and providing legal advice informed by a wide range of practice areas including: administrative law, procedural fairness, general liability, labour and employment, human rights, privacy as well as governance and advice on university policies.

As the preferred candidate, you have at least three years of general litigation and/or complaint defense experience and providing advice on investigation processes and administrative law principles at a top‐tier firm or company, with excellent knowledge of relevant legislation and case law in this area. You must have strong business acumen and sound judgment with a focus on practical client advice relating to legal risks within a business context. Success in this position requires excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem‐solving skills.