About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely cutting-edge, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting‑edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting‑edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

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, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.

The Opportunity





The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat is looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to provide a full range of legal services on real estate and commercial law‑related issues, including leasing, contracts, property matters, and regulatory compliance under the direction of the General Counsel / Assistant General Counsel. The Senior Legal Counsel will assess legal risks and ensure the University’s reputation and interests are protected, and act as a senior legal advisor for the University’s real estate, facilities and construction portfolio. The position provides expert legal counsel and guidance to senior academic leaders and the senior management of the University to facilitate strategic and operational decision‑making while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

- Ensures compliance and facilitates strategic and operational decision‐making, through proactive legal advice, development of risk considerations, and expert legal counsel to University leadership.
- Drafts, reviews and negotiates a broad range of corporate and commercial agreements, with a focus on leases, licenses, letters of intents, non‑disclosure agreements, development agreements and acquisition documentation.
- Provides proactive and strategic legal advice to senior University leaders, particularly in the facilities and real estate portfolio,



to further the University’s goals and objectives and to protect the University’s legal and reputational interests.
- Advises on a wide range of corporate matters, including real estate, construction law, procurement, contract management / performance.
- Provides training and information sessions for University staff on legal topics and regulatory developments.
- Monitors, researches, and provides updates on legislative requirements and legal trends, particularly those relating to commercial real estate, leasing and land development, affecting the University.

Qualifications

- Successful completion of a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D) or equivalent law degree is required. Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada
- Minimum of seven (7) years of post‑call experience in legal practice, a law firm or in‑house counsel position, with a focus on commercial real estate and corporate /commercial law.
- Demonstrated experience with commercial real estate transactions, leasing, land development, construction law and corporate / commercial law
- Familiarity with the University environment or post‑secondary education environment
- Familiarity with procurement within the broader public sector and specifically, the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive.
- Strong contract drafting, negotiation and implementation skills.
- Highly developed problem‑solving and decision‑making skills to navigate complex legal matters.
- Outstanding ability to manage and balance multiple and competing prioritiesAbility to convey complex legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Outstanding skills in written and oral communication.

📌 Senior Legal Counsel (Toronto)
🏢 Toronto Metropolitan University
📍 Toronto