Job Description
POSITION TITLE: ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL - SOLICITOR
DEPARTMENT: OFFICE OF LEGAL SERVICES
SALARY RANGE: $120,000.00 TO $160,000.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Associate General Counsel provides legal service, support, advice, and counsel in respect of all aspects of the corporate and governance function at the organization.
KEY JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Legal Counsel - Solicitor Work
• Provides expert legal advice to University departments, senior leadership, and the Board of Governors, with an emphasis on administrative, real estate, and corporate/commercial law.
• Develops and advises on policies, procedures, and governance documentation to support institutional effectiveness and compliance.
• Conducts legal research, develops strategies, and prepares legal opinions and reports to support University decision-making.
• Represents the University in real estate and land transactions, and drafts, reviews, and negotiates agreements.
• Delivers legal training and orientation for academic and non-academic leaders, and oversees files managed by external counsel as required.
2. Governance and Project Support
• Provides legal advice and support on governance matters, including Board and Senate issues, by-laws, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborates with University working groups and project teams to advance institutional initiatives and ensure appropriate legal and governance considerations are addressed.
3. University Service and Ancillary Duties
• Participates in internal and external stakeholder committees and supports broader University initiatives, including recruitment events, Convocation, and campus activities.
• Undertakes special projects, assignments, and other related duties as required, consistent with the purpose of the position.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a recognized and accredited university
• Must be called to the bar in Ontario and be a Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• A minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience with a focus on solicitor-side work: corporate, commercial, real estate, leasing, governance, administrative law, ideally in a public-sector or institutional environment
• Experience in complex commercial transactions
• Experience in leasing and real estate transactions and reviews
• Administrative law and tribunal experience
• In-depth knowledge of contracts, real estate, governance, and commercial principles and jurisprudence; must remain current with all legal and best-practices development
• Ability to develop creative and practical solutions and provide effective legal advice in corporate/commercial matters of significant complexity and risk exposure;
• Excellent judgment and leadership skill, both personal and professional
• Ability to present effectively analyze and present complex issues, and to collaborate and persuade in addressing them
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to interact and collaborate well with individuals at various levels and from various backgrounds and disciplines within the institution
• Strong organizational and case management skills
• Able to work independently , as well as part of a team environment
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Power Point)
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Service-oriented with proven ability to deal effectively with a diverse student, staff and faculty population exercising cultural awareness and sensitivity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience working in a higher education or other public institutional setting
