In-House Legal Counsel

Joseph Ribkoff Inc.; Dorval; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph Ribkoff Inc. is seeking an In-House Legal Counsel to support corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters. You will draft, review, and negotiate agreements, advise internal clients, and oversee governance and compliance in a fast-paced setting.

This role requires strong bilingual communication (English/French) and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining professional confidentiality within a global fashion company.

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D. degree required.
• Barreau du Québec membership or eligibility.
• 2–5 years post-call experience in corporate/commercial in-house settings.
• Strong contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent bilingual communication in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Vice-President of Legal Affairs on corporate, commercial, and operational matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts and legal agreements.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual, corporate, and compliance matters.
• Coordinate corporate governance activities and maintain corporate records.
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries, opinions, and recommendations.
• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across the organization.
• Coordinate KYC requirements and monitor contract obligations and key deadlines.
• Support external counsel and manage legal service providers as needed.
• Develop and maintain efficient contract management and documentation systems.
• Support special legal projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Provide occasional administrative support as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Contract negotiation

Corporate governance

Contract drafting

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

LL.B./J.D. degree

Barreau du Québec member

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract management systems

ERPs

Job description

Joseph Ribkoff designs classic and contemporary garments for fashion-forward women with a youthful state of mind. Each one of our carefully tailored pieces offers the effortless fashion, fit, and quality that we’ve been synonymous with.

Over the years, the brand has blossomed into a touchstone for timeless, youthful style. Driven by a passion that has never ceased to propel our company’s vision, Joseph Ribkoff has been an ally to women, dressing them with flair and perfect fit for over 65 years. From our quality and distinctly designed products to our unwavering commitment to retail partners, Joseph Ribkoff’s values resonate in everything we do and create.

Today, his legacy lives on through the work of a devoted, talented team operating from the four corners of the world. Sold in over 60 international markets, Joseph Ribkoff is a global emblem of quality and elegance.

Montreal Corporate Head Office, where most of their employees are based, offers career opportunities in Design, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Finance, IT and HR as well as in the Production and Warehousing facilities.

Objective

Reporting directly to the Vice-President of Legal Affairs, the In-House Legal Counsel will support the legal function by providing practical legal advice and assistance across a broad range of corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters. The successful candidate will contribute to the company's legal operations by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements, supporting corporate governance initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and helping manage legal risks across the organization.

The In-House Legal Counsel will be a proactive and resourceful legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively balance multiple priorities while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, judgment, and confidentiality. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated lawyer to gain broad in-house legal experience within a dynamic and growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Work closely and support the Vice-President of Legal Affairs on a wide variety of corporate, commercial, and operational legal matters.


• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts and legal agreements, including vendor agreements, service agreements, non-disclosure agreement, agency agreement and other commercial arrangements.


• Provide legal support and guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual, corporate, compliance, and business matters.


• Coordinate and oversee corporate governance activities for the Company. and its subsidiaries, including the preparation of annual resolutions, corporate records, and other required corporate documentation.


• Conduct legal research and prepare legal summaries, opinions, and recommendations on various areas of law affecting the business.


• Assist in identifying and mitigating legal and regulatory risks across the organization.


• Coordinate and oversee KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.


• Monitor contract obligations, renewals, and key legal deadlines.


• Support compliance initiatives and help ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies.


• Assist with the management of external legal counsel and legal service providers when required.


• Develop and maintain efficient legal documentation, contract management, and record-keeping systems.


• Support special projects and strategic business initiatives from a legal perspective.


• Some administrative support tasks to be expected.

Required Qualifications

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


• Member in good standing of the Barreau du Québec or eligible for membership.


• 2-5 years of post-call legal experience, preferably in corporate, commercial, or in-house legal environments.


• Strong understanding of corporate governance, contract law, and commercial legal principles.


• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements.


• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to provide practical and business-oriented legal advice.


• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple files and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound legal judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with contract management systems and ERPs is an asset.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French, to support out-of-province activities with customers, partners, and subsidiaries.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Joseph Ribkoff is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.