Job Description

Reporting to the Vice-President, Administration and Finance, the General Counsel serves as the University's chief legal officer, providing leadership and guidance on all matters with legal implications.


Working in close collaboration with senior campus leaders and governing bodies, the General Counsel ensures the University is protected from undue liability while delivering a full spectrum of legal services.


In partnership with People and Culture, the General Counsel addresses labour and employment issues, engaging external labour counsel as needed to support investigations. The role also advises the President, Student Services, the University Appeals Committee, and the Academic Integrity Committee on student judicial matters.


The General Counsel oversees both the Office of the General Counsel and the Privacy and Access Office, fostering a culture of excellence, compliance, and high-quality service across the institution.


The ideal candidate is an accomplished senior leader with a proven ability to navigate complex and varied legal challenges.





MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES


Provide strategic legal advice and services to governing, academic, and senior administrative bodies, including support for the development of Board of Governors and administrative policies. Oversee, maintain, and update the Board of Governors and administrative policies. Supervise in-house Legal Counsel and provide guidance on case management and professional development. Recommend procedures and practices to mitigate liability and strengthen institutional risk management. Review and advise on all contractual matters, including agreements, leases, and related documents. Deliver legal advice and services to faculties and administrative units at the request of deans or directors. Retain, direct, and oversee external counsel, ensuring cost-effective use of legal services while minimizing institutional risk. Provide legal guidance on the structure and operations of University subsidiaries. Contribute to sensitive projects and special initiatives as required. Offer strategic governance support to the Board of Governors, Senate, and Planning Council for Open Learning, including advice on best practices, decision-making authority, and procedural compliance. Partner with People and Culture and external labour counsel to address labour and employment matters. Advise the President on student suspension cases. Provide guidance to Student Services, the Appeals Committee, and the Academic Integrity Committee on student judicial and disciplinary processes. Advise on all real estate and construction-related legal matters. Oversee the Privacy Office, including the Privacy Officer responsible for Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) compliance. Provide the University community with guidance on privacy rights and obligations. Maintain a central repository of major contracts and advise on the administration of the Signing Authority Policy. Support Procurement Services with legal advice, including guidance on the University's Purchasing Policy. Advise on litigation matters, including Human Rights Tribunal complaints, and coordinate with internal parties, external counsel, and TRU's insurer to resolve disputes. Deliver training, advice, and support on copyright and trademark matters; assist with trademark and patent registration and enforcement. Attend Senate meetings as parliamentarian, ensuring compliance with proper procedure, including Robert's Rules of Order. Participate in Senior Leadership Team meetings and serve on institutional committees such as Senate Steering, TRUCC, Information Security, and Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committees. Engage in executive meetings, special committees, and institutional projects as required.




REPORTS TO

Vice-President, Administration and Finance



QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

1. Education

Law degree and eligibility to practice law in British Columbia.

2. Experience

Extensive knowledge of corporate and contract law, with proven ability to draft, revise, and review a wide range of agreements, including construction contracts, property agreements, affiliation agreements, collective bargaining agreements, research-related agreements, funding/donor agreements, and financing agreements. Demonstrated experience in developing and reviewing procedures, practices, and processes that limit legal exposure and manage institutional risk. Skilled in negotiation with experience in international contract law. Proven ability to develop, interpret, explain, and apply policies, procedures, and precedents related to corporate and contract law. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Experience in employment law and providing advice on human rights complaints.

3. Interpersonal Skills

Strong cognitive and analytical skills with the ability to serve as an effective negotiator. Superior listening skills and an accessible, consultative leadership style. Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships within and outside the University. Skilled in managing high-tension situations with diplomacy, tact, and patience. Collaborative team player who values working with others to achieve shared goals. * Capable of making difficult decisions when necessary, exercising sound judgment, and addressing complex, high-level issues in a fair and balanced manner.