Lead strategic legal advice at the University of Ottawa, guiding senior decision-makers on governance, compliance, and high-stakes institutional matters. This position may be subject to a telework agreement.
Reporting to the Secretary-General, the General Counsel serves as the University’s principal legal officer and most senior legal advisor. The role advises the President, Vice-Presidents, senior leaders, and decision-makers while safeguarding legal interests, reputation, and public mission. It sets legal-services direction across a large bilingual institution.
Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic advice on significant institutional legal matters
Guide governance, policies, procedures, and regulatory obligations
Assess legal, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks
Direct litigation, investigations, claims, and dispute resolution
Lead the Legal Counsel Office and external counsel
Requirements:

LL.B. or J.D. and Ontario Law Society membership
At least 12 years of progressively responsible legal practice
English and French oral and written communication skills
Experience leading in-house legal functions and professional staff
Strategic judgment, integrity, discretion, and professional ethics
Apply broad legal expertise, governance judgment, and bilingual communication to advance sound decisions at the University of Ottawa.

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University General Counsel Legal Strategy