Legal Counsel

Position Description Under the direction of General Legal Counsel, the Legal Counsel, Corporate provides expert legal advice and legal services across the Polytechnic on a broad range of legal issues including corporate and commercial issues, corporate governance, finance, procurement, licensing, and regulatory matters. The Legal Counsel, Corporate works closely with Deans, Directors, and other leaders to provide practical and actionable legal advice and legal services that ensures compliance with applicable laws, mitigates risks, and supports business objectives. This role provides an opportunity to provide proactive legal services in a fast-paced, public interest environment across a broad range of legal matters. Key Responsibilities Draft, review, and assist with negotiation of various commercial agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and licensing agreements. Act as an expert resource on contract management. Partner with leaders to identify, assess and communicate legal risks and develop business focused strategies to mitigate risks and enable business objectives. Provide legal advice and services on a broad range of matters such as contract risk management, student placement and work integrated learning agreements, information technology agreements, intellectual property, and copyright. Provide guidance and advice on policies, guidelines and templates for transactions and corporate matters. In collaboration with the General Legal Counsel, assesses and advises on the financial and public relations risks to the Polytechnic on complex legal issues. Ensures that legal advice and legal services are provided in a timely and professional manner to client departments. Remain current with relevant legislation, regulations, the Minister’s Binding Directives, and other relevant statues governing the Polytechnic sector. Build trusted relationships across the organization and serve as a strategic legal partner to key stakeholders. Manage external counsel services. Other duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree from a recognized post-secondary institution is required. Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario. Minimum of four to seven (4-7) years of post-call experience in corporate/commercial law, in-house, at a reputable law firm, or a combination of both. Strong experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements across a variety of business functions. Experience in human rights, education law, administrative law, labour relations and employment law is considered an asset. Experience in the post-secondary education sector is considered an asset. Skills and Attributes Exceptional organization and negotiations skills that will assist in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong business acumen and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical recommendations. A collaborative mindset and genuine passion for partnering with cross-functional teams to solve business challenges. Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to uphold the polytechnic’s priorities on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).