Legal Counsel
City : Surrey, BC
Category : 1135-General Counsel
Industry : Education
Employer : Kwantlen Polytechnic University - KPU
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.
JOB OVERVIEW: LEGAL COUNSEL
This role reports to Senior Legal Counsel.
Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice to KPU Leadership and Business Units on a wide range of complex and diverse legal and regulatory matters with a goal of minimizing legal and financial risk to KPU’s operations. This role works closely with Manager, Information Access and Privacy; Manager, Records and Information Management; Confidential Legal Assistant to General Counsel; Senior Executives, the Office of Research Services, and many other University department representatives. Legal Counsel works independently to balance priorities and deadlines in order to provide efficient and effective legal support.
Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice to KPU Leadership and Business Units on a wide range of complex and diverse legal and regulatory matters with a goal of minimizing legal and financial risk to KPU’s operations. This role works closely with Manager, Information Access and Privacy; Manager, Records and Information Management; Confidential Legal Assistant to General Counsel; Senior Executives, the Office of Research Services, and many other University department representatives. Legal Counsel works independently to balance priorities and deadlines in order to provide efficient and effective legal support.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Undergraduate degree and a law degree from an accredited University.
- Current member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia.
- Five years of recent relevant in-house and/or private practice experience including experience with research compliance, research and innovation contracts and intellectual property;
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload and work under time pressures to meet deadlines.
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to interact and communicate with others at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high tension situations and to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to travel between campuses is required.
Salary Information
The above compensation range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. Typically, initial salary placement is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum. This 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 approximately halfway of the salary range for a job with consideration given to internal equity.
Why Join KPU?
- Recognized as one of B.C.'s Top Employers
- KPU is committed to actively fostering an equitable and inclusive working environment
- Competitive compensation
- Hybrid environment, flexible work around core hours
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan – College Pension Plan
- Extended Medical, Dental, Healthcare Spending Account, Sick Leave, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Optional Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Emergency Travel Assistance, Employee and Family Assistance Program, Teledoc
- Professional Development Days: up to 10 days paid per year
- Maternity and parental leave top-up
- Generous vacation package
- Campus work environment, outdoor sitting areas and nearby walking trails
- Campus athletic and fitness centers with a variety of instructor-led classes
- Tuition waiver program – eligible to waive tuition costs of courses at KPU equivalent to 3 credits per semester
- Inhouse training and development
- Networking and social events such as KPU Day, Holiday Social etc.
- Intercampus shuttle
- Access to automotive, horticulture, brewery and other programs’ services
- Clubs: Jeopardy, Toastmasters, E-sports, Ted Talks etc.
- Library and Bookstore (discounts)
- **Benefits may vary if the position is temporary or part-time**
Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?
We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.
Note to Applicants:
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at humanresources@kpu.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.