Corporate Counsel I-II

Halifax Water; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal utility company in Halifax is seeking a full-time Corporate Counsel I-II to manage legal matters related to infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating contracts, providing legal guidance on project delivery and compliance, and working in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws degree and relevant experience, and show strong communication skills and attention to detail. This role is crucial to ensure legal compliance and effective risk management.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years' experience as a practicing lawyer.
• A minimum of 4 years' experience as a practicing lawyer for Corporate Counsel II.
• Member in good standing or eligible for membership in the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal matters relating to Engineering and Capital Infrastructure Group.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for infrastructure projects.
• Provide legal guidance on procurement strategy and processes.
• Research laws, precedents, and regulations related to utility operations.

Skills

Strong understanding of Nova Scotia construction law

Excellent communication skills

Legal analysis

Negotiation skills

Time management and organization

Knowledge of legislation and regulations

Excellent client relationship skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Halifax Water is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Corporate Counsel I-II in the Administration Department. Halifax Water's goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.

This is a non-unionized job. The job description and benefits to working at Halifax Water can be viewed on the Halifax Water website.

Interested applicants are asked to submit completed cover letters and resumes, stating Competition #HW25-183, by 4:30pm on December 22, 2025.

As part of the selection process, applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position may be required to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities for the position through a set of practical applications.

Qualifications

Corporate Counsel I

• Education: Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized common law school.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years' experience as a practicing lawyer. Experience in one or more of the following areas of practice: commercial transactions, construction or real estate law.

Corporate Counsel II

• Education: Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized common law school.
• Experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience as a practicing lawyer. Experience in one or more of the following areas of practice: commercial transactions, construction, or real estate. Prior experience in construction and large infrastructure project delivery is considered a strong asset.
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: Member in good standing or eligible for membership in the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Must be willing to undertake and maintain safety training: First Aid, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS), and additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Nova Scotia construction law, project finance, municipal planning processes and real estate transactions.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to promoting respect, ethics and integrity within the utility.
• Knowledge of legislation and regulations related to Halifax Water and utilities.
• Ability to work extended hours in emergent situations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Legal analysis.
• Negotiation skills.
• Proficient in legal research.
• Technology and software knowledge.
• Time management and organization.
• Excellent client relationship and customer service skills.
• Values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities

As an in-house Corporate Counsel, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing legal matters relating to our Engineering and Capital Infrastructure Group.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including NDAs, LOIs, consultant agreements, purchasing agreements, and design and construction contracts for infrastructure projects.
• Provide legal guidance on matters related to capital project structuring and delivery, procurement, bonding, insurance, and land development and acquisition.
• Assist in standard contract and template development and preparation.
• Provide legal guidance on procurement strategy, procurement processes, and solicitation documentation.
• Work closely with other departments to identify, manage and mitigate legal risk.
• Research and stay abreast of applicable laws, precedents, and regulations relating to the business operations of the utility.
• Review, draft, and update Halifax Water policies as appropriate.
• Provide legal opinions and advice regarding business transactions and guide the utility to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
• Assist and provide general legal guidance to the utility as required.
• Under the direction of the General Counsel, manage dispute resolution processes, including mediation, pre-action protocol, legal proceedings and litigation.
• Under the direction of the General Counsel, provide advice and direction to the Halifax Water Board on issues of governance and other issues as needed.
• Partner with regulatory affairs to submit timely applications to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
• Partner with procurement and engineering teams to enhance processes and deliver pragmatic solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.