Volunteer Opportunity: General Counsel (Pro Bono)

Counsel (Pro Bono)
Organization: Canadian Institute of Medicine and Scientific Research (CIMSR)
Location: Remote (National / Canada-wide)
Role Type: Official Volunteer / Strategic Advisor
Sector: Healthcare, Scientific Research, & Federal Non-Profit
Position Overview
The Canadian Institute of Medicine and Scientific Research (CIMSR) seeks a distinguished legal professional to serve as our Official Volunteer General Counsel. As a federally incorporated institute, we require comprehensive legal oversight to ensure our operations, research initiatives, and institutional partnerships meet the highest standards of Canadian legal and ethical compliance.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Corporate Governance: Provide guidance on compliance with the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, including board resolutions, annual filings, and bylaw amendments.
Contractual Oversight: Review and draft complex agreements, including research collaboration MOU’s, intellectual property (IP) licenses, and vendor service contracts.
Real Estate & Land Use: Manage ongoing legal matters regarding land agreements and physical institutional assets.
Regulatory & Ethical Compliance: Advise on Privacy Laws (PIPEDA), Health Canada regulations, and Tri-Council guidelines for ethical research conduct.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential liabilities related to clinical research, employment law, and fiduciary duties of the Board.
Candidate Qualifications
Legal Credentials: Must be a member in good standing with a provincial Law Society (e.g., Law Society of Alberta or Ontario).
Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience in corporate/commercial law, preferably within the health, research, or non-profit sectors.
Strategic Mindset: Ability to provide proactive, "business-oriented" legal advice that balances risk with scientific innovation.
Commitment: Availability for monthly board meetings and ad hoc strategic consultations.
Professional Benefits & Recognition
Official Appointment: Recognition as "General Counsel" on CIMSR’s official website, annual reports, and letterhead.
Prestigious Networking: Collaborate directly with a board of national medical specialists and scientific leaders.
Institutional Impact: Play a foundational role in shaping the legal framework of an organization dedicated to the public good.
Certification: A formal Certificate of Appreciation and a reference letter from the Executive Board attesting to your specialized pro bono service