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, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will provide counsel, legal and strategic advice on a broad range of legal issues with a focus on corporate / commercial law and supporting the business processes of the university.

The successful candidate will provide legal advice and guidance to senior leaders, faculties, schools and administrative units to ensure compliance and facilitate strategic and operational decision-making in support of the University’s goals. They will draft and negotiate a variety of contracts, conduct legal analysis and research, advise on commercial transactions including leasing, construction and procurement, and advise on regulatory compliance matters in a timely and effective manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a broad range of corporate and commercial agreements, including service agreements, funding agreements, leases, construction contracts, technology and license agreements, procurement documents, partnership agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Ensures compliance and facilitates strategic and operational decision-making through proactive legal advice, development of risk considerations and expert legal counsel to university leadership.
• Monitors, researches, and provides updates on legislative requirements and legal trends affecting the University.
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner, supporting the General Counsel, leaders and administrators to leverage opportunities and anticipate and manage risk and disputes.
• In consultation with the General Counsel/Chief Privacy Officer, provides legal advice on privacy, data, and FIPPA-related matters.
• 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, with demonstrated experience practicing law in the required areas of expertise.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts and advising on corporate/commercial law.
• Experience with privacy law, procurement, intellectual property is an asset.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the post-secondary education sector and broader public sector is preferred.
• 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.
• 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)20004236Reports ToAssistant General Counsel DepartmentGeneral Counsel OfficeEmployee GroupMACVacancy TypeFTCE - this is an existing positionWork 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 - $137,940 and will be commensurate based on the successful candidate’s qualificationsTA SpecialistLaurie ShemavonianPosting DateMay 20, 2025Application Close DateJune 5, 2025

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• 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.