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Position Summary:
Reporting to the General Counsel and Director of Legal Services, the Legal Counsel – Labour & Employment provides legal support and guidance to McGill’s Human Resources department and other client groups in matters relating to Labour and Employment law.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provides legal advice drawing on in-depth knowledge of Labour and Employment law, the University’s internal policies and procedures, and collective agreements, as well as an awareness of the University’s needs, goals and overall mission.
- Conceptualizes, drafts and reviews policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures governing the University’s operations.
- Represents the University in front of various boards, commissions and tribunals, including labour arbitrators, the CNESST, the CDPDJ, the Tribunal Administratif du Travail, and other similar organisations.
- Prepares for hearings by performing legal research, analysing labour related issues, preparing evidence and witnesses, drafting motions, sworn declarations, and other legal documents.
- Engages in alternative dispute resolution methods, represents the University during mediation sessions, and negotiates settlements.
- Supervises and manages external legal counsel in preparing and presenting litigious matters in which the University is a party.
- Drafts, reviews and ensures compliance with settlements, policies, practices, agreements and any other legal documents regarding the execution of its responsibilities.
- Identifies current and potential legal issues and opportunities for the University and evaluates their organizational impact.
- Maintains current in-depth knowledge of the Labour and Employment law and legal trends. Keeps abreast of changes and communicates their potential impacts.
- May participate in various committees within and outside the University.
- May be called upon to advise on various legal issues relating to higher education and privacy law.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
Expert knowledge in Labour and Employment law with 8 years of related experience, with a focus and experience with litigation. Ability to work autonomously and use good judgement when dealing with clients and colleagues to achieve the desired result. Possesses excellent drafting skills and strong ability to articulate challenges and solutions, verbally and in writing. Results-oriented, with excellent multitasking skills. Good negotiating skills. Fully bilingual in English and French (spoken and written). Bachelor’s degree (B.C.L., LL.B.). Member of the Barreau du Québec
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 8 Years Related Experience /
(MPEX Grade 11) $141,880.00 - $177,350.00 - $218,400.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM4C - Legal - Director or equivalent
33.75 (Full time)
General Counsel & Director Legal Services
Position End Date (If applicable):
2025-08-25
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
