Legal Counsel

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

7d•CA$161,546 - CA$201,932•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Counsel represents the University in legal proceedings and provides legal services to the University in the conduct of its activities. This role reports to the General Counsel and works in close consultation with University senior administrators. The primary areas of practice include corporate and commercial law and business transactions, with a focus on the University's research activities, including institutional and industry research collaborations, intellectual property, commercialization of research, research funding, and other corporate/commercial matters not related to research.

Requirements

LL.B or J.D. degree.
Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
Minimum 10 years of practicing law.
At least 8 years of prior experience in corporate and commercial law, business transactions, intellectual property, commercialization of research, and research funding.
Knowledge and experience across a variety of areas of law affecting the University, such as intellectual property law, contract law, and administrative law.
Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and French.
Ability to handle complex legal issues with no significant professional guidance or supervision.
Superior analyst, negotiator, and presenter of legal points.
Excellent judgment, clear and critical thinking, superior writing and reasoning skills, persuasiveness, ability to command respect, and unquestioned integrity and discretion.
Strong planning skills and a positive, approachable can-do attitude with problem-solving skills.
Ability to quickly learn a variety of areas of law and provide reliable legal advice and opinion.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Skilled at interpersonal relations, particularly the ability to forge consensus out of divergent views of many different University constituents without losing their trust and confidence.
Temperament to work with a wide variety of personalities.
Ability to manage time effectively and handle many matters simultaneously.
Confidence without arrogance and the ability to react calmly in a crisis.
Professional and thoughtful demeanor, including objectivity and detachment when needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the University's specific research activities.
Experience with institutional and industry research collaborations.
Experience with commercialization of research.
Experience with research funding.
Experience with other corporate/commercial matters not related to research.

Responsibilities

Represents the University in legal proceedings and provides legal services.
Negotiates, drafts, reviews, and 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, and creation/management of entities (e.g., property trusts, corporate subsidiaries).
Drafts, reviews, and provides legal advice on University policies and procedures.
Conducts legal research and provides legal advice and opinions.
Stays current on legislation and legislative changes affecting the University and developments at common law, providing legal advice on operational, compliance, and/or policy responses.
Manages outside counsel retained by the University or its insurer.
Establishes and prioritizes goals and objectives in connection with primary practice areas and general responsibilities.
Assists with the development of training on legal aspects for University staff.
Handles other related duties as assigned.