We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel to join our Office of Legal Services, with a primary focus on real estate management and development, construction and facilities projects, public-sector procurement including IT infrastructure, and risk mitigation through contract drafting and management.
Reporting to the General Counsel (or designate), this role provides strategic and practical legal advice to senior leaders, facilities and real estate teams, procurement professionals, and project stakeholders across the institution and, in particular, support the operational and development of McMaster Innovation Park. The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling complex capital projects and operational initiatives while safeguarding the institution’s legal, financial, and reputational interests.
Appointment level (Legal Counsel or Senior Legal Counsel) will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Provide legal advice on real estate-related matters, including property acquisitions and dispositions, leasing and licensing, easements, land use, and development projects.
• Support major capital construction, renovation, and facilities management projects, including advice on project delivery models, risk allocation, and contractual frameworks.
• Conduct and coordinate legal due diligence for real estate and infrastructure transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, consultant agreements, procurement documents, service agreements, and other commercial agreements.
• Advise on public-sector and Broader Public Sector procurement requirements and competitive procurement processes.
• Provide guidance on contract interpretation, dispute avoidance, change management, and lifecycle contract risk.
• Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate legal, contractual, and reputational risks.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting real estate, construction, procurement, and facilities operations.
• Develop practical and solution-oriented legal strategies aligned with institutional objectives.
• Work closely with facilities, real estate, finance, procurement, and senior administration.
• Liaise with external counsel, consultants, and government or municipal bodies as required.
• Participate on project teams, committees, and working groups as a trusted legal advisor.
• Act as delegate for the University Counsel as required.
• Lead complex or high-risk matters and the institution’s response to significant legal issues.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Legal Counsel and contribute to office-wide best practices.
Education & Professional Standing:
• LL.B. or J.D.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
Experience:
• Legal Counsel: Typically 5–8+ years of legal practice in real estate, construction, commercial contracting, or public-sector procurement.
• Senior Legal Counsel: Typically 10–12+ years of progressively responsible experience, including leadership on complex real estate or infrastructure matters.
• Experience in a public-sector, para-public, or post-secondary environment is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills:
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of risk allocation and mitigation in complex contracts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• High degree of judgment, integrity, and discretion.
This role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact real estate and infrastructure initiatives in a mission-driven, public-sector environment. You will contribute directly to shaping the built environment, supporting long-term institutional growth, and delivering projects that serve a diverse academic and research community.
