General Counsel

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We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions. With more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, two campuses (Lethbridge and Calgary), seven faculties and schools, and more than 2,500 employees, ULethbridge is Lethbridge’s second largest employer. Faculty and staff come together to contribute, each in their own way, to establishing ULethbridge as Canada’s destination university. In 2022, Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.

The University of Lethbridge is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and strategic legal professional for the continuing position of General Counsel. The General Counsel reports administratively to the Vice-President (Finance & Administration).

The General Counsel oversees the legal affairs of the University and serves as legal advisor to the University’s Senior Executive and the Board of Governors. This role is integral in ensuring compliance, mitigating legal risks, and supporting the University’s goals through proactive legal advice. Legal services include contracts, administrative law, privacy law, employment and labour law, legislative compliance, and commercial legal issues. The position also oversees the provision of advice from external legal services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the University’s litigation and oversees and maintains relationships with external legal counsel.
• Drafts and/or reviews legal contracts, agreements, policies, and other legal documents for the University, including the development of standardized templates for contracts and agreements.
• Prepares legal reports to the Board, external auditor, and the Provincial Government. Assists with internal reviews and investigations.
• Provides legal advice to the University’s Senior Executives and Board of Governors on diverse legal matters, including administrative law, governance, privacy law, employment, labour law, and legislative compliance.
• Collaborates closely with the University Governance Office, Executive Director of Risk and Safety Services, and other key stakeholders on strategic and operational legal matters.
• Oversees the Privacy Officer on matters related to FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy) and HIA (the Health Information Act).
• Leads a high-performing team, which includes Legal Counsel (1.0 FTE), Privacy Officer (0.5 FTE), and Legal Assistant (0.5 FTE) by effectively distributing work, leveraging team skills, and fostering professional development to enhance efficiency.
• Identifies and recommends procedures and practices for compliance with applicable laws and University policies, including privacy and human rights legislation.

Position Qualifications

To accomplish this role, General Counsel must maintain a current knowledge of the legal environment and how it relates to the post-secondary context, have a strong understanding of the operations of the University, and develop and maintain productive relationships with campus stakeholders and legal providers.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor of Laws degree or a Juris Doctor degree and a membership or eligibility for membership with the Law Society of Alberta, coupled with 5-10 years of progressive work experience in a legal capacity role. Experience in the post-secondary environment would be an asset.

Additionally, the successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a collaborative and consultative leadership approach, confidence in making independent and high-impact decisions across the entire spectrum of the University’s operations, and experience working in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE): $144,874 - $182,251 annually

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE): $144,874 - $219,628 annually (Excluded Professional 3)

Campus: Lethbridge

Employment Group: Excluded Professionals

Position Category: Other

Open Date: 11/27/2024

Close Date: 01/06/2025

Desired Start Date: 02/03/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at human.resources@uleth.ca so that accommodations can be put in place to support you.