Date:	December 15, 2015
Reports to (Job Title):	Senior Legal Counsel
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles):	None
Department:	Secretariat & General Counsel
Location:	Main Campus
Grade:	USG 14 35 hr/wk

Primary Purpose

Support and guide the legal and compliance processes of the University by providing counsel on issues relating to human rights, labour and employment law, and related matters to assist in the mitigation of risk to the University, and to perform other duties as legal counsel as may be assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Supports the Senior Legal Counsel (“Senior Counsel”), and designates on a wide array of employment law, human rights and other issues as required.

On the direction of Senior Counsel, advises on legal issues arising out of internal administrative practices, processes and tribunals related to faculty tenure and promotion, staff and faculty discipline, student discipline and related matters.

On the direction of Senior Counsel, assists in the defence of a wide range of grievances, arbitrations, litigation and claims against the University on general matters and on employment-related matters involving staff, faculty, students or others.

Supports Senior Counsel in managing the University’s human rights law portfolio, including internal issues management, preparation of pleadings and attendance on human rights tribunals and mediations, litigation support, and legal research.

Supports Senior Counsel in representing the University in employment-related arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Supports Senior Counsel in providing legal advice on employment agreements, recruiting and hiring, independent contractor arrangements and the distinctions with employment arrangements, leaves of absence and accommodations, compensation and benefits, performance management, disciplinary actions and terminations.

Upon the request of Senior Counsel, advises on new laws, regulations and industry trends that could affect the University, proactively makes recommendations for change to employment and human rights practices and policies, and provides training to various groups as required.

Develops subject-matter expertise on university policies and procedures as they relate to assigned duties

Maintains current substantive knowledge and proactively updates the University Secretary & General Counsel and Senior Counsel on relevant legislative and regulatory developments and best practices

Acts as secretary to committees relevant to the portfolio as may be assigned from time to time.

Under the supervision and direction of Senior Counsel, performs other duties of Legal Counsel as may be assigned from time to time.

Position Requirements

Education:

Law degree plus a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada

Experience:

3-8 years of management-side employment law experience with a reputable law firm and/or in-house legal department; advisory and litigation experience is required.

Demonstrated experience in the field of human rights and employment relations, with a strong working knowledge of the law pertaining to labour, employment and human rights.

Experience providing prompt, practical counsel on all aspects of human rights law and employment law while minimizing legal risk.

Experience in a diverse array of legal matters, including without limitation contract and tort law.

Exceptional client-service orientation.

Proven record of high integrity and sound legal judgment.

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

Technical:

MS Word	Excel	PowerPoint	Other
Basic	Basic	Basic

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Skills:

Internally, communicates with members of the Secretariat & Office of General Counsel and senior executive to provide sound legal judgement. Externally communicates with law firms, provincial tribunal offices and other ministry offices.

Level of Responsibility:

The position is responsible and accountable for providing accurate labour and employment law advice to the University Executive, the University Secretary & General Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel, and others in the University as required from time to time. The role will include providing extensive advice to senior university staff, drafting and reviewing university policies and employee agreements, and assisting in the response to employment and human rights litigation.

Decision-Making Authority:

Limited to the exercise of judgment and discretion consistent with the range of responsibilities and accountabilities outlined above

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Minimal demands typical of a position operating within an office environment.

Working Environment:

Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of a position exposed to stress and pressure in a fast-paced work environment.

Employment & Human Rights Counsel