Volunteer Legal Counsel – Higher Education & Governance (Remote / BC Focus)

Organization:
Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University
Category:Legal Advising / Governance & Board Development
 Commitment:
Flexible (3–5 hours per week, remote)
Position Description:
About Us:
Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University is an emerging, non-profit higher education institution dedicated to delivering rigorous academic instruction in the Islamic sciences. Powered by an elite faculty of volunteer PhD scholars—including researchers from prestigious institutions like McGill University and Al-Azhar University—Al-Ihsan plans to offer recognized Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral tracks in Islamic Sciences and Islamic Theology.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a qualified legal professional, articling student, or senior governance expert familiar with British Columbia and Canadian non-profit laws. You will guide our Board of Directors through the foundational legal frameworks necessary to establish our institution, protect our assets, and prepare for formal recognition.
Key Responsibilities:
 Degree-Granting & Regulatory Strategy Provide strategic guidance on navigating British Columbia’s University Act and Degree Authorization Act, focusing on the legislative requirements for theological exemptions and petitioning for a Private Act of the Legislature.
 Public Funding Compliance: Advise the board on governance structures, independent director ratios, and compliance mandates required to transition safely into a "Soliciting Corporation" under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act as public funding scales.
 Donor & Pledge Accountability:
Review existing donor correspondences and agreements—specifically regarding an unfulfilled $10,000 foundational gift pledge—to evaluate our options for enforcement, detrimental reliance, or formal mediation under Canadian charity law.
 Bylaw Review: Review and refine the organization's corporate and academic bylaws to ensure a proper bicameral governance model (separating corporate operations from the Academic Senate).
Qualifications:
  A degree in law (LL.B. or J.D.) or equivalent senior experience in Canadian corporate governance/non-profit law.
 * Familiarity with BC societies, federal non-profit structures, or academic regulatory environments is a major asset.
 * Strong communication skills and a passion for community-building and higher education.
 * Ability to work independently with a remote board of directors.