Legal Counsel

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

18h•CA$161,546 - CA$201,932•Onsite

About The Position

Representing the University in litigation before courts and tribunals and providing legal advice and opinion on a wide variety of matters such as human rights law, administrative law associated with academic appeals, judicial reviews of University decisions and in other litigation or matters; other areas of practice include reviewing and drafting of a variety of types of agreements involving the University.

Requirements

LL.B or J.D. and member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
Minimum 10 years of practicing law, including at least 8 years’ prior experience in the primary areas of practice identified above
Knowledge 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 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, the 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 the 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 and the temperament .to work with a wide variety of personalities
Ability to manage time effectively, which in turn supports the ability to 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

Responsibilities

Negotiates, drafts, reviews legal documents, such as pleadings, court or tribunal documents, agreements, settlements and other legal instruments.
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.