Legal Counsel

Culture Alberta; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health, Dental & Vision benefits

Wellness Spending Account

Volunteer opportunities

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Online learning platforms

Paid vacation and time off during X-m;

Job summary

Canadian Natural is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide prompt and effective legal and commercial support to client business areas. The role requires strong collaboration with internal stakeholders, ability to meet deadlines, and a proactive approach to risk and compliance.

You will manage all phases of claims, coordinate external counsel, advise on employment and labour matters across our operations, and develop legal strategies to support business initiatives in Calgary and beyond.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years’ experience in Labour & Employment Law.
• Other practice areas (Privacy Law, Commercial/ Energy/Litigation) are assets.
• Combination of experience and practice will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of claims from dispute resolution to pleadings and lawsuits.
• Coordinate external counsel and SMEs; gather evidence for ongoing claims.
• Assess legal and commercial risk and identify liability issues.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to support client initiatives.
• Prepare legal memoranda and provide ongoing advice to client representatives and management.
• Provide guidance on employment and labour matters across our Canadian operations.

Skills

Labour & Employment Law

Legal Counsel experience

Contract negotiations

Education

Bachelor of Laws / JD (Alberta Bar eligibility)

Job description

The Opportunity:

At Canadian Natural, we are dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the energy sector. As a recognized leader in Canada’s energy industry, we operate one of the strongest and most diversified asset portfolios of any independent energy producer in the world.

As Legal Counsel, you will provide prompt and effective legal and commercial support to client business areas within Canadian Natural. You will utilize your strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills and the ability to work independently in an ever-changing, challenging and collegial team environment. You will possess the ability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality of service and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

• Job location: Calgary, Alberta
• Work schedule: 5 x 2, 8-hour shifts
• Safety sensitive position: No
• Application deadline: October 25, 2026
  

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage all phases of claims from dispute resolution negotiations to assisting external counsel in the preparation of pleadings and all subsequent legal steps in the lawsuit.
• Co-ordinate and instruct external counsel, independent subject matter experts, and work with internal stakeholders and business clients to gather required factual and documentary evidence required for ongoing claims.
• Assess legal and commercial risk and identify liability issues and mitigation strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal strategies to support client initiatives and issues.
• Prepare legal memoranda and provide ongoing advice to client group representatives and management.
• Provide ongoing assistance and client education on employment and labour matters arising across our Canadian operations.

What You Bring to the Role

• Bachelor of Laws or Judicial Doctorate degree and be eligible for admission to the Law Society of Alberta.
• Minimum of six years’ experience in Labour & Employment Law. Additional experience in any one or more of the following areas of practice is considered an asset: Privacy Law, Commercial Litigation, Energy Litigation, and Oil & Gas.
• Other combinations of experience and practice will be considered.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, stock options, company matched stock savings plan, annual bonuses
• May be eligible for relocation pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Relocation Policy
• 100% Employer paid extended Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Health & Wellness Spending Account
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Access to online learning platforms for continuous learning and development
• Paid vacation and time off during Christmas week and summer Fridays