Legal Counsel

Union/Affiliation: Administrative Professional Excluded Staff Pay range: $153,779 to $198,996 annually SFU Department Descr: Office of the General Counsel Position Grade: 17 # of openings: 1 Biweekly Hours: 72 Who We Are Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) has conduct over, and is accountable for, all legal matters arising at the university and for protecting the university’s legal interests. The OGC maintains operational responsibility for University Legal Counsel, Archives and Records Management, and the Policy Office. About The Role SFU is seeking an experienced and collaborative lawyer to join its Office of the General Counsel as Legal Counsel, specializing in employment and labour law. The role provides strategic and practical legal advice on a broad range of workplace matters involving unionized and non-unionized employees, including employee discipline and termination, workplace investigations, accommodation and human rights issues, disability management, workplace policies, and labour relations matters. Working closely with Human Resources and Labour Relations, Faculty Relations, senior leadership, and other stakeholders, the successful candidate will support the university’s academic mission while managing legal risk and promoting respectful and legally compliant workplaces. The role also includes drafting and reviewing employment agreements and policies, supporting litigation and administrative proceedings, managing external counsel, and monitoring legal developments to provide proactive guidance and training. The ideal candidate is a good standing member of the Law Society of British Columbia with at least 4-8 years of experience in employment and labour law. They possess strong knowledge of labour relations, human rights, privacy, occupational health and safety, and administrative law principles, and are skilled at delivering practical, solutions-oriented legal advice in complex environments. Experience advising public sector or post-secondary institutions is considered an asset. The successful candidate demonstrates excellent judgment, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, and is comfortable working collaboratively with senior leadership, Human Resources, Faculty Relations, and external counsel. They are proactive, collegial, and able to manage competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications LLB. Degree. and professional designation as a lawyer eligible to practice in BC (e.g., a member in good standing in The Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for membership) with eight years of related legal experience divided between private practice, postsecondary sector, industry and/or government, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Excellent knowledge of the laws of British Columbia and the laws of Canada applicable therein with specific emphasis on the B.C. University Act, the B.C. Financial Administration Act, the B.C. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, corporate, commercial, and contract law, and international/national patent and copyright laws, administrative law, and procedural fairness. Ability to manage highly confidential matters where the improper release of information would be injurious or detrimental to the University. Ability to manage a large, complex, and diverse legal caseload. Excellent organizational, analytical, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to negotiate contractual and navigate other legal issues with internal and external stakeholders. What We Offer At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX): 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)* Hybrid-work program for eligible positions Employer paid defined benefit pension plan On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members* Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds* And more! Prorated for part-time employees Additional Information The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range. Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment. SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.