Senior Legal Counsel

Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka'pamux Nations. Our team of 45,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers is dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities to deliver on our vision: Better health, best in health care.

Twelve acute care hospitals, BC's first dedicated outpatient care and surgery centre and a wide range of services in public health, home health, mental health and long-term care facilities - all within Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Known as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, these dynamic communities along with inspiring scenery and easy access to an abundance of outdoor activities provide an amazing quality of life.

We are proud of the innovation, dedication, integrity and tenacity of our physicians, employees and volunteers. More than any building or technology, it's our people who make Fraser Health distinct.

Position Highlights:

As Senior Legal Counsel you will provide general legal support and advice to leaders at Fraser Health with respect to Information Technology (IT) related contracts. The position provides expert legal support and guidance to Fraser Health senior leadership, staff and other members of the legal services team and supports the General Counsel in managing the provision of legal services in this area to the organization. The position will jointly report to the General Counsel and the Executive Director, Information Technology Services.

Build on your education and career experience as you:

• Provide expert legal support and guidance to Fraser Health senior leadership, staff and clients and other members of the legal services team to enable effective decision-making relating to IT contracts.
• Respond to a variety of legal issues relating to IT contracts that affect the business operations of Fraser Health.
• Provide overall leadership and direction to team members using effective management techniques (e.g. coaching, mentoring, skill development, performance management).
• Review, research and prepare legal opinions that may have a significant impact on the organization, its programs and services and to staff.
• Advise on new and existing legislation applicable to healthcare and the impact to the organization, programs and services and staff.
• Negotiate, draft, review and interpret a variety of IT related contracts, including with respect to multi-party, complex transactions.
• Anticipate and identify legal issues and advise managers and directors on legal strategies and solutions to mitigate legal risk.
• Hold primary accountability for legal support and guidance on IT related contracts.
• Represent Fraser Health in mediations and arbitrations relating to IT contracts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Are you passionate about joining our team? We will be looking for you to have:

• Bachelor's degree and a Degree in Law (LL.B or J.D.) from an accredited University and a licence to practice law in British Columbia
• Minimum ten (10) years' recent, related in house or private practice experience in IT related contracts, and/or commercial contracts.
• Current member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia

This is a Temporary Full Time position available for two years and based at our Central City office in Surrey, BC (with the option of Remote work).

Effective October 26, 2021, all new hires to Fraser Health will need to have full COVID 19 vaccination (have received a full series of a World Health Organization "WHO" approved vaccine against infection by SARS-COV-2, or a combination of approved WHO vaccines). Please note this applies to all postings, and individual medical exemptions must be approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

Valued Benefits:

A career at Fraser Health will offer you the opportunity to work in a fast growing and exciting organization with professionals who are eminent in their respective fields. We offer a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health benefits coverage.

Come work with dedicated professionals who are enthusiastic and committed to provide quality healthcare to our clients/patients/residents.

We invite you to find out why more than 95% of new employees recommend Fraser Health as an excellent place to work! Work hard and have fun while you do it!

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients/clients/residents and families:

The Senior Legal Counsel provides general legal support and advice to leaders at Fraser Health (FH) and assists in managing the operations of the Legal Services department. The position provides expert legal support and guidance to FHA senior leadership, staff and other members of the legal services team and supports the General Counsel in managing the provision of legal services to the organization; provides direction and guidance for the Legal program and supervises and supports the development and work of staff in the department.

1. Provides expert legal support and guidance to FHA senior leadership, staff and clients and other members of the legal services team to enable effective decision-making.
2. Responds to a variety of legal issues that affect the healthcare industry and the business operations of FH.
3. Provides overall leadership and direction to team members using effective management techniques (e.g. coaching, mentoring, skill development, performance management). Acts as and provides senior counsel to the Legal Counsel staff.
4. Reviews, researches and prepares legal opinions that may have a significant impact on the organization, its programs and services and to staff.
5. Advises on new and existing legislation applicable to healthcare and the impact to the organization, programs and services and staff.
6. Negotiates, drafts, reviews and interprets a variety of contracts relating to health care and business operations, including with respect to multi-party, complex transactions.
7. Anticipates and identifies legal issues and advises managers and directors on legal strategies and solutions to mitigate legal risk.
8. Holds primary accountability for legal support and guidance on in-house legal matters on issues surrounding processes, policies, contracts, uninsured litigation and contracts relating to health care and business operations.
9. Represents Fraser Health at various hearings, court and/or tribunals and presents arguments.
10. Assists the General Counsel and Director, Legal Services, Risk Management and Adult Guardianship in overseeing the operation of the Legal Services & Risk Management departments, and Freedom of Information (FOI) Office.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree and a Degree in Law (LL.B or J.D.) from an accredited University and a licence to practice law in British Columbia.

Minimum ten (10) years' recent, related in house or private practice experience in one or more of corporate law, commercial litigation, health law and/or labour & employment law.

Current member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia.

Professional/Technical Capabilities:

• Demonstrates evidence of providing client and solution focused legal advice and support.
• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated expertise in interpreting with BC and applicable federal corporate, administrative health care and freedom / privacy laws and regulations.
• Expertise in legal research and in critical interpretation and strategic evaluation of legal and risk management issues.
• Ability to prepare legal correspondence, summaries, reports and opinions to a variety of group within Fraser Health.
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and related software application programs.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.