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Position Summary:
Reporting to the General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, the Legal Counsel, Litigation provides advice and general guidance to different client groups operating across the University, such as Faculties and administrative units, on a variety of matters and fields of law, mostly in the context of civil, commercial & construction litigation. The incumbent will also be involved in a wide range of student-related matters, including promotion, discipline and management of disability-driven accommodations, and the review of affiliation and inter-institutional agreements with national and international partners. The incumbent will participate in policy development and provide advice on compliance with applicable Québec and federal legislation regarding the Higher Education sector, including supporting the University’s Secretariat responsible for access to information and privacy matters.
Reporting to the General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, the Legal Counsel, Litigation provides advice and general guidance to different client groups operating across the University, such as Faculties and administrative units, on a variety of matters and fields of law, mostly in the context of civil, commercial & construction litigation. The incumbent will also be involved in a wide range of student-related matters, including promotion, discipline and management of disability-driven accommodations, and the review of affiliation and inter-institutional agreements with national and international partners. The incumbent will participate in policy development and provide advice on compliance with applicable Québec and federal legislation regarding the Higher Education sector, including supporting the University’s Secretariat responsible for access to information and privacy matters.
McGill University’s Legal Services Department favors cooperation and cross-training among in-house counsels for the purpose of facing variation in workload and offering the best services to client groups. Consequently, we are looking for an autonomous, self learning and engaged individual as duties may vary for short periods of time and evolve over time.
Primary Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manages civil, commercial and construction litigation with outside counsel and support other members of the Legal Department involved in such litigation, with a risk assessment and a cost-effective approach. This entails working with outside counsel to analyse legal issues, decide on litigation strategy and the evidence to be presented, review motions, declarations, and other legal documents, and ensure the University’s reputation is protected and safeguarded.
- Represents the University before administrative bodies and tribunals such as the Commission d’accès à l’information and the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.
- Advises client groups on the resolution of disputes and identifies alternatives and recommends solutions to avoid litigation and communicates efficiently the University’s position and the risks related thereto in the context of potential litigation.
- Advises on and negotiates contracts and agreements, particularly inter-institutional agreements, agreements with student associations, contracts of affiliation, agreements with international partners, proposing commercial and financial arrangements benefiting sponsors and partners as well as the University.
- Provides advice on legal and policy matters and in the conceptualization and drafting of comprehensive integrated policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures governing various aspects of the University’s operations.
- Assists the University regarding various regulatory, corporate governance or compliance matters.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- Knowledge and experience in commercial & construction litigation and civil procedure required to adequately supervise outside counsel representing the University before the Courts and administrative tribunals.
- Knowledge of Privacy and Access to Information, as applicable in Québec, Canada and foreign jurisdictions (GDPR), including demonstrated ability to make representations to the Commission d’accès à l’information.
- Knowledge of administrative law (and in particular procedural equity), in Human Rights law as applied to student matters, and representations at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, as a guide to the resolution of student-related matters.
- Experience in drafting and negotiation of contracts. Demonstrated ability to function autonomously and collaboratively, to use good judgement in dealings with clients and colleagues to achieve desired result.
- Excellent drafting skills and strong ability to articulate challenges and solutions, verbally and in writing.
- Results-oriented and demonstrated ability to deliver high quality work quickly, with excellent multi-tasking and prioritizing skills. Good negotiating skills.
- Proactive, pragmatic and creative approach facilitating the resolution of disputes and the appropriate protection of University’s best interests, considering the University’s strategic priorities.
- Ability to work in a complex collegial environment, where differing interests must be reconciled to achieve desired results.
- Demonstrated experience and acumen in advising clients on sensitive and confidential matters.
- Maintains current in-depth knowledge of the Higher Education sector and trends related thereto. Keeps abreast of changes. Fully bilingual in English and French (spoken and written).
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
- Bachelor’s degree (B.C.L., LL.B.). Member of the Barreau du Québec
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click
here
.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Annual Salary:
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM4C - Legal - Director or equivalent
Hours per Week:
Supervisor:
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca
.