Legal Counsel

Follow us on Posting Reason:New PositionJob Type:EmployeeAnticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments):N/AJob Family:Legal# of Open Positions:1Faculty/Service - Department:Legal ServicesCampus:Main CampusUnion Affiliation:N/ADate Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):2025/12/18Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):2026/01/19Hours per week:35Salary Grade:Non-Union Grade NM3Salary Range:$129,272.00 - $161,590.00Position PurposeReporting to, and under the direction of, the General Counsel, and working in close consultation with University senior administrators, the Legal Counsel, represents the University in legal proceedings and provides legal services to the University in the conduct of its activities.Primary accountabilitiesThe primary areas of practice include the following: corporate and commercial law and business transactions, with a focus on the University in its research activities, including but not limited to, institutional and industry research collaborations, intellectual property, commercialization of research, research funding and in other corporate / commercial matters that are not related to the University’s research activities.General accountabilitiesNegotiate, drafts, reviews, provides legal advice on contracts and other legal documents associated with corporate commercial matters and business transactions.Advises on complex research collaboration agreements, research procurement matters, intellectual property issues, commercialization of research, creation and management of entities, such as property trusts, corporate subsidiaries.Drafts, reviews and provides legal advice on University policies and procedures.Conducts legal research and provides legal advice and opinion.Remains current on legislation and legislative changes affecting the University and on developments at common law and provides legal advice on appropriate operational, compliance and/or policy responses.Manages outside counsel retained by the University or by the University’s insurer, as required.Establishes and prioritizes goals and objectives in connection with the primary areas of practice of this position and general responsibilities.Assists with the development of training on legal aspects for University staff.Handles other related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Experience and SkillsLL.B or J.D. and member in good standing of the Law Society of OntarioMinimum 10 years of practicing law, including at least 8 years’ prior experience in the primary areas of practice identified aboveKnowledge and experience across a variety of areas of the law affecting the University, for example, intellectual property law, contract law, and administrative law.Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and FrenchAbility to handle complex legal issues with no significant professional guidance or supervisionSuperior analyst, negotiator and presenter of legal pointsExcellent judgment, clear and critical thinking, superior writing and reasoning skills, persuasiveness, the ability to command respect, and unquestioned integrity and discretion.Strong planning skills and a positive, approachable can-do attitude with problem-solving skillsAbility to quickly learn a variety of areas of the law and provide reliable legal advice and opinionAbility to work under pressure and meet tight deadlinesSkilled at interpersonal relations, particularly the ability to forge consensus out of divergent views of many different University constituents without losing their trust and confidence and the temperament .to work with a wide variety of personalitiesAbility to manage time effectively, which in turn supports the ability to handle many matters simultaneouslyConfidence without arrogance and the ability to react calmly in a crisisProfessional and thoughtful demeanor, including objectivity and detachment when neededPrior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.