Associate General Counsel – Labour & Employment

UOW; Windsor; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Ontario is seeking an Associate General Counsel to provide expert legal counsel on labour and employment matters. The role involves conducting workplace investigations, collaborating closely with the Human Resources department, and offering legal guidance on complex HR issues. Candidates must hold an LLB or JD degree, be called to the bar in Ontario, and possess a minimum of five years in HR and labour relations. Commitment to equity and diversity is essential, and applicants are encouraged to apply by January 7, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in human resources and labour relations.
• Experience with workplace policy and conflict management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on labour and employment matters.
• Conduct workplace investigations and prepare reports.
• Participate in university committees and special projects.

Skills

Legal expertise in labour and employment

Workplace investigations

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)

Called to the bar in Ontario

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This role reports to the University General Counsel and will work extensively and collaboratively with the Human Resources Department, the institution’s complaint functions, and various senior leaders across the organization.

The Associate General Counsel – Labour and Employment will provide advice and guidance to the HR department and to other members of the leadership team in respect of both union and non‑union staff, including representing the organization at bargaining, arbitration, tribunals, and determining the best negotiating and litigation approach.

This role will also undertake internal investigations when possible, acting as a neutral investigator and required to make findings of fact as assessments of individual credibility.

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Legal Counsel – Labour and Employment

Provide expert labour and employment advice across all employee groups, support senior leaders and the Board, and guide complex HR, academic, and employee‑relations matters.

Lead and manage labour relations processes including investigations, discipline, terminations, collective bargaining, and oversight of litigation, arbitrations, and external counsel.

Develop and implement policies, procedures, and training related to HR, workplace safety, human rights, and respectful workplace culture, while offering functional guidance to HR and Academic Labour Relations staff.

2. Workplace Investigation Support

Conduct full, impartial investigations into workplace and student‑related misconduct (harassment, discrimination, violence, sexual misconduct), and manage external investigators when required.

Analyze findings, prepare comprehensive investigation reports, communicate outcomes, and provide expert recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Develop and evolve investigation strategies, policies, templates, and standards while building deep knowledge of relevant institutional policies to support a centralized complaints function.

3. University Service and Ancillary Duties

Participate in internal and external committees and contribute expertise to university‑wide initiatives and events such as recruitment fairs and convocation.

Support and engage in special projects and assignments that advance departmental and institutional goals.

Represent Human Resources in collaborative activities that strengthen campus relationships and institutional service delivery.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a recognized and accredited university.
• Must be called to the bar in Ontario and be a Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• A minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience with a focus on human resources, labour relations, and conflict management, ideally in a public‑sector or institutional environment.
• Experience in workplace investigations and the application of workplace policy in respect of bullying and harassment, workplace violence, discrimination.
• Experience in conducting grievances, negotiation, and arbitration.
• Experience in human resources policy development and review.
• Administrative law and tribunal experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of human rights, labour and employment law principles and jurisprudence; must remain current with all legal and best‑practice development.
• Ability to develop creative and practical solutions and provide effective legal advice in labour and employment matters of significant complexity and risk exposure.
• Excellent judgment and leadership skill, both personal and professional.
• Ability to present, analyze and present complex issues, and to collaborate and persuade in addressing them.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to interact and collaborate well with individuals at various levels and from various backgrounds and disciplines within the institution.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Able to work independently, as well as part of a team environment.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Power Point).
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Service‑oriented with proven ability to deal effectively with a diverse student, staff and faculty population exercising cultural awareness and sensitivity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a higher‑education or other public institutional setting.

APPLICANTS INTERESTED

Applicants are requested to apply on or before January 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. In pursuit of the University's commitment to employment equity, members from the designated groups including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity are encouraged to apply and to self‑identify.

If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Employment Coordinator ([e-mail]). For further information on accommodation, visit the website of the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Mediation and Resolution at https://www.uwindsor.ca/ohrcrm.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in the University of Windsor, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Applications submitted through employment agencies will not be considered.