Legal Counsel

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

We are looking for the visionaries, the change-makers, and the self-starters who are seeking more from their career. Change begins with the small decisions we make, each day, to support each other, and strive to create inspiring, incredible educational experiences for all students, no matter where they are, or how they learn. In choosing a career with Yorkville University, you will have the opportunity to push boundaries, flex your creativity, and inspire positive change for so many people.

Our core values put the student experience at the center of what we do, reflecting who we are, and aspire to be. If you want to shine a light on academic excellence, be empowered to make an impact on the transformation of the Canadian post‑secondary education landscape, and work collaboratively beyond levels, join us.

Reporting to the Vice‑President, Legal and General Counsel, we are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, faculty, and staff, providing strategic legal guidance across the organization. This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a national private higher‑education institution with campuses across Canada, influencing decisions that impact thousands of students, employees, and external partners.

You will help safeguard the institution while enabling growth and innovation, advising on matters of impact across various departments within Yorkville University and Toronto Film School including Academics, Finance, Student Services, Marketing/Recruitment Policy/Governance and Operations, handling a broad scope of subject matters such as reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, supporting governance and policy development, providing legal advice in a broad scope of areas, employment, human rights, privacy and others.

Full‑time role, currently following a hybrid model working both on‑site at our downtown Toronto location and remotely.

Strategic impact. You will serve as a trusted legal partner to senior leadership, shaping key decisions across academic, operational, and corporate functions. Your guidance will directly influence the success, compliance, and growth of Yorkville University and Toronto Film School.

Professional growth. You will join a newly established legal function, with the opportunity to help define its vision, build processes, and expand your advisory scope. You will refine your expertise across a broad spectrum of matters, including commercial agreements, employment law, privacy, intellectual property, and litigation.

Influence across the organization. You will work across all departments and interact with leadership at every level, from faculty to Board members. You will be empowered to provide practical legal solutions, foster collaboration, and help move the organization forward with confidence and authority.

Ownership and autonomy. As a key member of the organization’s legal team, you will operate with a high degree of independence, taking accountability for complex matters, shaping institutional practices, and contributing meaningfully to high‑profile projects that impact the national mandate of the institution.

• Act as a trusted advisor. You will support the Vice‑President, Legal and General Counsel and act as a strategic legal partner to the Leadership Team, faculty, and corporate departments, enabling sound decision‑making across the institution.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage agreements. You will oversee the full lifecycle of agreements, including vendor, service, technology, license, affiliation, and non‑disclosure contracts. You will ensure institutional interests are protected and agreements are completed efficiently.
• Advise on legal and regulatory matters. You will provide guidance on privacy, employment, human rights, intellectual property, corporate or commercial law, and regulatory compliance, helping leaders balance risk with opportunity.
• Support compliance, policy development and governance. You will monitor legislative requirements, assess institutional impact, support institutional policy…