Assistant General Counsel

ZSA Legal Recruitment; Montreal; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Canada seeks an experienced Assistant General Counsel to support its Legal Affairs team. The role involves leading special projects, providing legal advice, and influencing strategic decision-making. Candidates should have extensive corporate law experience and be fluent in French.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in a sophisticated business environment.
• Experience in team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Legal Affairs Special Projects Office and team of lawyers.
• Provide legal advice to BDC’s corporate functions.
• Identify and mitigate emerging legal and regulatory risks.

Skills

Leadership

Business Acumen

Practicality

Ingenuity

Education

Member of the Bar of Quebec

Job description

Our client, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), is the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. It is the partner of choice for small and medium-sized enterprise PME owners seeking the financing and advice needed to build their business and tackle today’s major challenges. Its subsidiary, BDC Capital, offers a full range of financing and investment solutions, including venture capital, growth capital, and business transition financing. From entering new markets to improving operational efficiency and acquiring other companies, business owners can rely on BDC for financing, capital, and advisory services tailored to their needs.

With over 100,000 clients nationwide and 2,900 employees, BDC is a financially viable Crown corporation that operates independently of its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada. BDC is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and among the Best Diversity Employers. Furthermore, BDC was the first financial institution in Canada to achieve B Corp certification in 2013.

To better serve its clients, BDC is looking to hire an Assistant General Counsel to support the Legal Affairs team and help increase its impact and reach across the organization.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, you will lead the Legal Affairs Special Projects Office and the team of lawyers responsible for providing legal advice to BDC’s corporate functions. Additionally, you will be involved in setting Legal Affairs’ priorities and overseeing the implementation of strategic projects and initiatives. You will also be responsible for identifying and mitigating emerging legal and regulatory risks, with the goal of providing proactive advice and influencing strategic decision-making at all levels of BDC.

Are you an experienced leader with a background in corporate law or financial services? If you are known for your versatility, ingenuity, practicality, and business acumen, we would love to discuss this opportunity with you in complete confidentiality. To qualify, you must have at least 15 years of relevant experience in a sophisticated business environment, including team management experience and be a member of the Bar of Quebec or another province. Fluency in French is a prerequisite.