Senior Legal Counsel: Contracts & Governance Leader

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 102,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The CHEO Research Institute (CHEO RI) in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking a Legal Counsel and Manager, Contracts and Governance to provide strategic legal leadership across health research, IP, governance, and employment matters.

Reporting to the CEO and Director, Research Operations, you will negotiate complex agreements, mentor a contracts team, and guide senior leadership on regulatory and risk issues while upholding governance best practices in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• JD or LLB from an accredited law school.
• Minimum five years of progressive legal experience in healthcare or similarly regulated sectors.
• Exceptional contract drafting, negotiation, and legal advisory skills.
• Experience advising on governance matters, including board relations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a wide range of agreements including clinical trial, sponsored research, confidentiality, data/material transfer, licensing and service agreements.
• Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies aligning with objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and interpret legislative developments affecting health research and advise on compliance.
• Lead governance activities, board processes, policy oversight, and corporate records management.
• Build relationships with internal/external stakeholders; mentor a contracts and governance team; coordinate with external counsel.

Education

Juris Doctor / LLB

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Governance

Strategic advisory

Job description

The CHEO Research Institute (CHEO RI) in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking a Legal Counsel and Manager, Contracts and Governance to provide strategic legal leadership across health research, IP, governance, and employment matters.

Reporting to the CEO and Director, Research Operations, you will negotiate complex agreements, mentor a contracts team, and guide senior leadership on regulatory and risk issues while upholding governance best practices in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.