Legal Counsel, Research & Innovatinon

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Ontario seeks a Legal Counsel for Research and Innovation. This role involves providing legal services across various domains including corporate law and compliance, ensuring strategic decision-making aligns with university goals. The ideal candidate will have a law degree and relevant experience in contract negotiation and corporate law. Competitive salary and a commitment to equity and diversity are essential features of this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of post-call experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the post-secondary sector.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, draft, and review various legal agreements.
• Ensure compliance and provide strategic legal advice.
• Monitor legislative requirements affecting the University.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Contract law expertise

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communications

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D)

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS)

The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS) is responsible for providing strategic legal, compliance, privacy and risk advice, facilitating sound decision-making and processes, and enabling the University to carry out its academic mission in accordance with the University’s legal, governance and regulatory responsibilities. GCBS has responsibility for key University legal, governance and risk functions including legal services, privacy, access to information, compliance, enterprise risk management, insurance, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.

Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI)

As Canada's comprehensive innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University engages in scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity that addresses real-world challenges to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for Canadians.

Our strong focus on innovation and evidence-based research has made us a preferred partner for government, industry, not-for-profit organizations, communities and individuals. Together, we are improving processes, developing new technologies and services, and creating new companies and social enterprises.

The (OVPRI) establishes the strategic direction and oversees the administration of Toronto Metropolitan University’s scholarly, research and creative activity (SRC) enterprise, including grants administration, external funding, SRC policies, partnerships and collaborations, commercialization, and business development.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our .

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel with a functional reporting line to the Vice President, Research and Innovation, the Legal Counsel, Research and Innovation will provide a full range of legal services to the University related to research and innovation, corporate / commercial law, data / privacy, regulatory matters, and intellectual property.

The successful candidate will provide expert legal services to senior leaders in OVPRI, as well as faculties, schools and administrative units to ensure compliance and facilitate strategic and operational decision-making while advancing the University’s strategic goals. They will advise on research, corporate and commercialization activities, while enabling successful collaboration with academic, community and industry partners in a timely and effective manner.

Key Responsibilities :

• Negotiates, drafts and reviews a range of corporate and legal agreements, including license agreements, joint venture agreements, consortium agreements, research agreements, collaboration agreements, sub-site agreements, data sharing agreements, services agreements, and technology agreements.
• Ensures compliance and facilitates strategic and operational decision-making through proactive legal advice, development of risk considerations and expert legal counsel to university leadership.
• Monitors, researches and provides updates on legislative requirements and legal trends affecting the University.
• Supports the VP, Research and Innovation in the planning and implementation of special projects. Conducts the necessary research, coordination, and preparation of recommendations and documentations as appropriate.
• Identifies areas of potential legal and regulatory risk in respect of university research, innovation and contractual matters, including confidentiality, intellectual property, and ethical research practices, and makes recommendations to ensure management of such risk.
• Participates in policy development and review related to research, innovation, and intellectual property. Provides training and workshops for faculty and staff on legal aspects of research and innovation, such as contract basics, intellectual property management, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent law degree is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of post-call experience practicing law in a law firm or in-house legal department with demonstrated experience practising law in the required areas of expertise.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to the post-secondary sector and broader public sector is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracts and advising on corporate / commercial law.
• Knowledge of research transactions, information technology, intellectual property and privacy.
• Experience navigating complex legal and policy issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional analytical skills with strong attention to detail, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Solid organizational skills, including time management, to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Sound judgement, including the ability to handle sensitive and confidential manners with tact.
• Exceptional customer service skills to work with various internal and external stakeholders.

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies :

• Acts with Integrity : Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration : Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively : Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen : Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results : Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.