Legal Counsel - Employment and Litigation

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

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 .

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 Legal Counsel - Employment and Litigation will provide a full range of legal services to the University related to employment law, workplace and labour matters, administrative law, litigation, human rights, access / privacy law and dispute resolution under the direction of the General Counsel, Secretary of the Board of Governors and Chief Privacy Officer, arising from the business of the University.

The successful candidate will provide expert legal support to senior leaders, faculties, schools and administrative units in support of strategic and operational decisions, conduct legal analysis and research, draft pleadings and other documents, and advise on risks and liabilities, in a timely and effective manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides legal advice and opinions on labour and employment matters at the University, including workplace accommodation, occupational health and safety, faculty hiring/ employment, employment contracts, and collective agreement interpretation.
• Provides legal advice regarding employment-related disputes and general litigation involving University interests, including internal tribunal matters (i.e. advice to decision-makers), external tribunals (i.e. human rights applications), and courts.
• Drafts, reviews and revises a range of documents to represent the University, including pleadings, submissions to regulatory bodies, settlement documents, and correspondence to complainants/applicants/plaintiffs or their counsel.
• Ensures compliance and facilitates strategic and operational decision-making, through proactive legal advice, development of risk considerations, and expert legal counsel to university leadership.
• Participates in the development of precedents, workflow practices, and processes for routine matters and key legal operations.
• Provides training and education to internal units on evolving legal and compliance areas relating to the workplace, such as workplace investigations, employment practices, dispute resolution, and artificial intelligence.

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.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent law degree is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-call experience in a law firm or in-house position or government legal department setting, including at least 2 years’ demonstrated experience in employment /labour law, including litigation, litigation management or dispute resolution exposure.
• Prior experience in human rights, administrative law, privacy / access would be an asset.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario, which requires the ongoing undertaking of training and education to maintain and enhance the incumbent’s professional knowledge in their area of specialty, in addition to annual attitudes and professionalism training.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the post-secondary education sector and broader public sector is preferred.
• Excellent facilitation and mediation skills, with the ability to use these skills to develop solutions that tactfully and diplomatically respond to the needs and expectations of diverse groups at all levels.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and issue-spotting skills, with the ability to translate legal risk into practical advice.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple matters concurrently
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues appropriately;