Senior Legal Counsel

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS)

The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS) is responsible for providing strategic legal, compliance, privacy and risk advice, facilitating sound decision-making and processes, and enabling the University to carry out its academic mission in accordance with the University’s legal, governance and regulatory responsibilities. GCBS has responsibility for key University legal, governance and risk functions including legal services, privacy, access to information, compliance, enterprise risk management, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.

The Opportunity

The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to provide a full range of legal services on real estate and commercial law-related issues, including leasing, contracts, property matters, and regulatory compliance under the direction of the General Counsel / Assistant General Counsel. The Senior Legal Counsel will assess legal risks and ensure the University’s reputation and interests are protected, and act as a senior legal advisor for the University’s real estate, facilities and construction portfolio. The position provides expert legal counsel and guidance to senior academic leaders and the senior management of the University to facilitate strategic and operational decision-making while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance and facilitates strategic and operational decision-making, through proactive legal advice, development of risk considerations, and expert legal counsel to University leadership.
• Drafts, reviews and negotiates a broad range of corporate and commercial agreements, with a focus on leases, licenses, letters of intents, non-disclosure agreements, development agreements and acquisition documentation.
• Provides proactive and strategic legal advice to senior University leaders, particularly in the facilities and real estate portfolio, to further the University’s goals and objectives and to protect the University’s legal and reputational interests.
• Advises on a wide range of corporate matters, including real estate, construction law, procurement, contract management / performance.
• Provides training and information sessions for University staff on legal topics and regulatory developments.
• Monitors, researches, and provides updates on legislative requirements and legal trends, particularly those relating to commercial real estate, leasing and land development, affecting the University.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent law degree is required. Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada
• Minimum of seven (7) years of post-call experience in legal practice, a law firm or in-house counsel position, with a focus on commercial real estate and corporate /commercial law.
• Demonstrated experience with commercial real estate transactions, leasing, land development, construction law and corporate / commercial law
• Familiarity with the University environment or post-secondary education environment
• Familiarity with procurement within the broader public sector and specifically, the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation and implementation skills.
• Highly developed problem-solving and decision-making skills to navigate complex legal matters.
• Outstanding ability to manage and balance multiple and competing priorities\Ability to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Outstanding skills in written and oral communication.

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Additional Information (MAC)

• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

There is something for everyone! Employees are eligible for many benefits, services, and discounts that Toronto Metropolitan University has to offer:

• Mid-year break that provides two weeks of paid time off in addition to your vacation.
• Group benefits include health and dental, employee and family assistance programs (EFAP), and more!
• Tuition waiver for eligible employees and their spouse and/or dependent(s) and Tuition Rebate for eligible employees.
• Toronto Metropolitan University Retirement Planning. A defined benefit pension plan.