Job Title: General Counsel
Location: York Region District School Board
Salary: $204,000
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Permanent
Start Date: TBD
Reports To: Director of Education
Position Summary
The General Counsel is the Board's senior legal advisor, responsible for leading and managing all legal services and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and Board policies. This role provides strategic legal advice to the Director of Education, Trustees, and Senior Administration on a wide range of legal matters including governance, education law, human rights, employment, privacy, and corporate/commercial law. The General Counsel also oversees litigation, Administrative Services, Trustee Services, manages external legal counsel, and supports the Board's commitment to equity, inclusion, and student well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Governance
- Provide legal counsel and strategic advice to the Director of Education, Trustees, and Senior Administration.
- Attend Board and In-Camera meetings to offer legal guidance on governance, policy, and litigation matters.
- Support the development and review of Board policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with best practices.
- Interpret and apply legislation such as the Education Act, Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Family Law Act and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Litigation & Dispute Resolution - Coordinate Board legal proceedings, including the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Superior Court of Justice, and administrative tribunals.
- Manage and coordinate litigation files, including work with external legal counsel.
- Prepare legal documents such as Statements of Defence, legal opinions, and submissions for hearings and mediations.
Contract & Commercial Law - Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial and corporate agreements.
- Provide legal oversight on procurement, vendor contracts, and service agreements.
- Ensure risk mitigation and legal compliance in all contractual matters.
Privacy & Access to Information - Provide leadership to the Board's Records Management team and ensure compliance with MFIPPA.
- Advise on access to information requests and privacy breaches.
Education & Student Matters - Provide legal support on student discipline, expulsion hearings, and appeals to the Child and Family Services Review Board.
- Interpret court orders related to custody and access and advise school administrators on implementation.
Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights - Support the Board's equity and anti-oppression commitments through legal guidance on human rights, discrimination, and accommodation matters.
- Promote inclusive legal practices that reflect the diversity of the school community.
Qualifications & Experience
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a recognized law school.
- Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Minimum of 6 years of progressive legal experience, preferably in education, labour/employment, human rights, and administrative law.
- Experience in litigation, contract negotiation, and legal risk management.
- Knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework governing Ontario school boards.
- Demonstrated political acuity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in governance and working with elected officials is an asset.
- Certification or specialization in Education Law is preferred.
Working Conditions
- Office-based with occasional travel to court, tribunal hearings, and school sites.
- Evening attendance at Board and Committee meetings.
