Legal Counsel (Real Estate

Full job description
Date Posted: 07/02/2025
Req ID: 43813
Faculty/Division: VP - University Operations
Department: VP-Operations Real Estate Partnerships
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)


Description:


Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel (Construction) and working as part of the University’s legal office led by the Chief Legal Officer, the incumbent provides legal advice, expertise, and a range of legal services on real estate-related issues, including commercial leasing and licensing, acquisitions of property, and development projects. The provision of legal advice also includes a general requirement to advise proactively on developments in relevant statutes, regulations, policies, case law, legal exposures as well as risks and legal challenges and to assist on any legal issues that may arise. The incumbent supports the University’s broader legal group with specific focus on the University’s Real Estate Partnerships – Spaces and Experiences office, maintains and monitors the legal and contractual obligations of the University; undertakes legal drafting; performs legal and reputational risk management activities; performs commercial transaction/due diligence documentary review; and performs legal research. This role is primarily based onsite with occasional hybrid work permitted with managerial approval.


Qualifications Required:


I. EDUCATION:


A Bachelors of Law degree (LL.B) and/or juris doctor (J.D.) degree. Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.


II. EXPERIENCE:


Minimum of 4 years and up to 8 years’ experience in legal practice; Strong knowledge and experience with commercial real estate transactions, commercial leasing and land development law; Experience preparing, reviewing and negotiating contracts in a complex environment; knowledge of the University environment and experience working within a University or post-secondary education environment is an asset; Experience working simultaneously on a variety of complex projects with established deadlines and ad hoc requests is expected.


A combination of legal expertise and technical knowledge of commercial real estate and commercial lease issues, including purchases, assignments of lease, amendments of leases, commercial real estate transaction due diligence, familiarity with procurement within the broader public sector and specifically, the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive. Familiarity with municipal law would be a valued asset.


III. SKILLS:


Demonstrated strong oral and written communication, interpersonal and analytical skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Contract drafting, negotiation and implementation.

Real estate transaction due diligence document review.

Demonstrated use of Teraview to independently perform real estate searches with no assistance (i.e., this role will not be assisted by an in-house real estate law clerk).


IV. OTHER:


Excellent analytical, interpretative and research skills; Diligent to detail and accuracy; Highly motivated with proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, meet tight deadlines and perform confidently under pressure and with changing priorities; Ability to proactively identify potential issues, gather and organize relevant information and devise solutions and action plans; Ability to exercise discretion, tact and ability to positively represent the University at all times; Able to work cooperatively and collegially with all components of the University constituents.


Closing Date: 07/23/2025, 11:5+PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group Hiring Zone: PM 6 - Broadband Salary Range: $130,011 - $216,687
Job Category: Legal

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