Senior Legal Counsel, Office of General Counsel, People & Culture

Description

The University Legal Services in the Office of General Counsel, People & Culture is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Senior Legal Counsel.

University Legal Services provides legal support to University of Calgary faculties, business units, and senior administration. This busy, multi-disciplinary team practices in a variety of areas, including litigation, student appeals, administration, and policy development.

Reporting to the University's Associate General Counsel (Litigation, Student Appeals & Policy), the successful candidate for the Senior Legal Counsel position will be primarily responsible for advising and overseeing the University's policy development process. In addition, the Senior Legal Counsel will also deliver effective legal solutions and advice as it relates to litigation, student affairs, and student appeals in the field of post-secondary education.

The Senior Legal Counsel will focus on the University's policy development process, which includes oversight, advice, and guidance in the creation, review, and implementation of policies that align with the University's legal requirements and strategic direction. The Senior Legal Counsel will assist in the drafting, consultation, engagement, and governance approval processes for policies, as well as advise on operational practices to align with policy requirements.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide timely and responsive client service.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis on emerging laws, regulations, and policies affecting the organization.
• Oversee the University's policy review, development, and approval process.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on critical legal and policy matters.
• Develop workshops and other educational initiatives on a variety of legal matters affecting the University community.
• Draft clear and concise legal documents and correspondence.
• Provide guidance and advice to various faculties and departments on the legal aspects of their operations.
• Collaborate with the broader legal services team, faculties, and departments in ensuring policy development and legal advising involves key internal stakeholders and subject matter experts.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• JD or LLB, and eligible for admission to the Alberta Bar.
• At least 5 years of post-call experience in the general practice of litigation and/or administrative law is preferred; however, equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience in policy development or interpretation.
• Experience advising on human rights matters and accommodation is an asset.
• Confidence with oral communication and advocacy, including to committees and in hearings.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service.
• Strong drafting and negotiating skills, with demonstrated strength in risk and legal analysis.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to address legal issues by developing solutions that are practical and mitigate risk.
• Ability to navigate large or complex organizations.
• A proven ability to handle multiple files successfully, working independently and proactively, with a wide variety of stakeholders and competing deadlines.
• Cooperative, team player attitude and excellent interpersonal skills, with a pragmatic and collaborative approach to handling files and completing projects.
• Experience acting as legal counsel for post-secondary, health care provider, and/or public sector clients is considered an asset.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting will remain open until filled.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, and is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning, and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research shows that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.