Jr. Legal Counsel

Bank of China (Canada); Markham; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Markham, Ontario, is seeking a detail-oriented Jr. Legal Counsel to support legal functions across Retail, Commercial, and Corporate Banking. Key responsibilities include providing legal advice, managing legal risk, and ensuring compliance with laws. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills and foundational legal experience. Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a large firm or within the banking/financial services sector.
• Knowledge of Canadian banking law, compliance frameworks, and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and strategic advice to management and various departments.
• Support development and implementation of legal strategies aligned with business goals.
• Draft and review contracts, lending documentation, and commercial agreements.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Risk assessment

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin

Education

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

Job description

Job Title: Jr. Legal Counsel

Location: Markham, Ontario

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Job Summary:

Bank of China (Canada) is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Jr. Legal Counsel to support a broad range of legal functions across the Bank’s Retail, Commercial, and Corporate Banking operations. This role will assist in contract review, legal research, regulatory assessments, and internal advisory, while helping to manage legal risk and ensure compliance with applicable laws. The ideal candidate will bring foundational legal experience, strong analytical skills, and a proactive mindset to support strategic business objectives within a regulated financial environment.

What You Will Do:

• Provide legal and strategic advice to management and various departments including Retail, Commercial, and Corporate Banking
• Support development and implementation of legal strategies aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements
• Draft and review contracts, lending documentation, and commercial agreements, providing guidance on legal risks and obligations
• Assist with new product legal risk assessments, internal initiatives, and cross-departmental projects
• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments and recommend necessary policy or procedural updates
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effective, task-specific service delivery
• Assist in managing litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory inquiries, including preparing legal responses and supporting documentation
• Conduct legal research and advise on matters involving consumer protection, privacy laws, and financial regulations
• Support internal investigations and provide legal guidance on ethics-related matters
• Assist in reviewing regulatory reporting responses, enforcement matters, and internal incident assessments

What You Bring to the Table:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.), with minimun 2 years of experience in a large firm or within the banking/financial services sector
• Knowledge of Canadian banking law, compliance frameworks, and contract law
• Strong skills in legal research, drafting, and risk assessment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment
• Proven organizational and time management skills
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin is a must

Bank of China (Canada) is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Accommodation: Bank of China (Canada) is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please contact the HR team, and we will be happy to assist.