Legal Counsel, Labour & Employment in Calgary, Canada
**This opportunity has been filled and is now closed. Please visit our job board to view our current opportunities.**
As the largest school district in Western Canada, Calgary Board of Education (CBE) offers a depth and breadth of programs and supports to meet the unique learning needs and interests of an increasingly diverse population. They focus on personalizing the learning experience so that each student is engaged, inspired, and learning to their full potential. As a leader in education, CBE is value driven with a mission to have each student, in keeping with their individual abilities and gifts, complete high school with a foundation of learning necessary to thrive in life, work and continued learning.
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented lawyer to make their mark by joining the largest school district in Western Canada.
Job Description – Legal Counsel, Labour & Employment
Our client is seeking to add a Legal Counsel, Labour & Employment to its team in Calgary. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Labour & Employment Counsel will provide legal advice and services on a broad range of labour and employment law matters.
As the ideal candidate, you will have between 4-8 years of experience in labour and employment law, with an emphasis on management-side labour law. The ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment with proven experience in responding to union grievances and arbitrations is required. Experience with public sector organizations or educational institutions is preferred but not required.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
- Provide timely, proactive and solution-oriented legal advice and counsel to front-line management (including Superintendents, Principals, Vice-Principals, Business Leaders and Human Resources professionals, among others) on the interpretation of collective agreements and applicable legislation.
- Work closely with CBE service units and schools to identify, assess and evaluate legal outcomes of major labour and employment-related decisions impacting the organization and to write legal opinions and memos which may require extensive research of statutes and regulations.
- Draft, review, negotiate and provide legal advice on complex labour and employment-related
- Coordinate with third parties including external counsel.
- Gather required information, research the law and prepare reports, opinions, memos and legal documents. Write legal opinions in areas as assigned. Conduct statutory, regulatory or case law research as required.
- Oversee and present the Board’s position on grievances by preparing responses, advancing settlement discussions, and coordinating the implementation of resolutions.
- Represent the Board on labour arbitration files and human rights files, and as required, on files relating to other administrative tribunals or legal proceedings.
- Oversee investigations into workplace incidents, including but not limited to allegations of discrimination, workplace harassment, workplace violence and employee misconduct.
- Advise on disciplinary matters and implement discipline as appropriate.
- Participate in and support the development of negotiation strategies and bargaining activities.
- Remain current and advise staff on developments of relevant legal updates and issues.
- Ensure compliance with laws and regulations that apply to CBE.
- Represent the legal department on internal committees as assigned.
Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge
- LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
- Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
- 4-8 years of related experience in labour and employment law, with an emphasis on management-side labour law. Experience with public sector organizations or educational institutions is preferable.
- Familiarity with the Education Act and legislation relating to the work of CBE is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of labour and employment law, including proven experience in responding to union grievances and arbitrations. Experience in education law, privacy, real estate, intellectual property, administrative law and/or regulatory compliance is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of administrative law and policy.
- Superior written and legal research skills.
- Sound professional judgement and attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal, collaborative decision-making and communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex legal issues and risks in terms that non-legal colleagues can understand.
- Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the business.
- Confidence to interact with all levels within and outside CBE.
- Demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy in carrying out job responsibilities.
This is an exclusive search.
The Counsel Network, a Caldwell company is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.
For more information, contact:
647.417.4720
To apply for this position: caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1112
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