Legal Counsel

Department: Legal Counsel
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose
The role of Legal Counsel works within the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) reporting to General Counsel. The OLC provides practical advice on a variety of legal matters including but not limited to: policies and procedures, business and commercial contracts (such as procurement, real estate, construction, sponsorship agreements, software, IT, academic contracts), intellectual property, human rights, municipal matters, real property and facilities issues, privacy issues, estates, charitable donations, administrative tribunal matters, governance, student housing, student issues, professional regulatory matters as applicable (i.e. veterinarians) and general employment matters.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled lawyer seeking a highly impactful role to support institutional initiatives and provide comprehensive advice on complex, sensitive and often policy shaping matters. Legal Counsel must have strong ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, case law and legislation in the furtherance of strategic priorities while mitigating risk. Legal Counsel works collaboratively with stakeholders across the University on a wide range of legal issues must possess the ability to interpret complicated legal issues to senior members and administrators at the University. Legal Counsel must have excellent communication skills and demonstrate sound judgement, diplomacy and precision when providing such advice. Legal Counsel participates on committees and working groups as assigned, representing the Office of Legal Counsel in a professional manner that builds relationships, encourages inter-departmental collaboration and promotes the University's strategic goals. The role requires someone who is highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities effectively and work independently with confidence, from drafting legal documents to overseeing complex case materials and their own workload.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Counsel will be expected to provide the following legal and other services as assigned:

• Providing legal advice to the University on a range of issues with specialization or emphasis in administrative matters, general employment matters, human rights, student issues, corporate matters and other matters as assigned;
• Providing advice and input in policy development and implementation;
• Proactively identify legal issues, risks and makes strategic recommendations;
• Preparing, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of legal documents and agreements;
• Handling a variety of complex assigned legal projects;
• Providing input in matters of legal risk management or reputational risk;
• Developing and presenting training workshops to internal clients;
• Appearing before external bodies on behalf of the University.

Requirements

• Law degree from a recognized university and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. With a minimum of 6-9 years experience. 
• Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy and delivering consistently at a senior level.
• Significant experience in providing practical legal advice to stakeholders in a decentralized and complex environment.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-call experience. 

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10026003 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 11    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  05/01/2026  
Closing Date:  05/15/2026