Legal Counsel

Canadian Cancer Society; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 96,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer care organization is seeking a Legal Counsel to review and draft legal agreements, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and support various departments in navigating legal matters. The ideal candidate has a Common Law degree, a minimum of 7 years of experience, and strong communication skills. This role supports a hybrid work model and offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

Family sick time

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years post-call experience in-house or at a law firm.
• Admitted to a Canadian provincial bar.
• Experience with information technology and privacy law.

Responsibilities

• Review and draft legal agreements.
• Advise on privacy practices and compliance.
• Conduct legal research and manage contracts.

Skills

Corporate / commercial law

Legal writing

Customer service

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Common Law degree

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Job Title

Legal Counsel

Location: Toronto, ON or Hamilton, ON or Ottawa, ON or Halifax, NS or Vancouver, BC or Calgary, AB

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: 8 ($96,000 - $130,000)

Overview

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by all type of cancer, across Canada. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.

Making an Impact

The role of Legal Counsel will report into and act as support to the General Counsel. This role will be responsible for the review of legal agreements and templates. As a pivotal part of our Legal team, this position will also engage in the ongoing review, updating and consolidation of company policies and procedures. Keeping a close eye on new and pending federal and provincial privacy laws, this position will be involved in the review of privacy practices to ensure compliance. This role will be involved in a variety of other tasks related to matters such as intellectual property, wills and estates, and corporate governance, as they arise.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. 1. Review of legal agreements
   • Anticipate and identify legal issues and advise the General Counsel on legal strategies and solutions to mitigate legal risk.
   • Draft and review a variety of legal agreements including master service agreements, sponsorship agreements, gift agreements, funding agreements, IT agreements, and licensing agreements.
   • Review of amendments to agreements prepared from contract templates.
   • Review of third-party agreements to ensure acceptability to CCS.
   • Negotiate with third parties and influence effectively to finalize agreements that are acceptable to CCS.
   • Provide advice on processes and documentation and make decisions daily that impact risk to the organization.
   • Work cross-functionally with all departments within the organization including Fundraising, Corporate Partnerships, Finance, IT, Planned Giving, and Support Services to provide legal, business and best practice advice on current and planned projects.
2. 2. Review of privacy practices
   • Review privacy practices to ensure substantial compliance with new and pending federal and provincial privacy laws.
   • Work with General Counsel and external counsel, as necessary, to ensure the organization is substantially compliant with existing laws and best practices.
   • Participate as a member of the Privacy Committee and help to prepare and deliver privacy training, as required.
3. 3. Conduct legal research and contract management
   • Conduct legal research, as required. Review and update contract templates and creation of new templates.
   • Keep abreast of changing laws and regulations that impact CCS’s operations by conducting legal research, attending continuing legal education, etc.
   • Track contract provisions and amendments for potential updates.
   • Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
   • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Previous experience in corporate / commercial law preferably in an in-house legal department
• Common Law degree with at least 7 years total post-call experience working in an in-house legal department or a law firm
• Admitted to, and in good standing with a Canadian provincial bar
• Demonstrated ability in legal writing and drafting legal documents, and in the preparation of correspondence
• Experience in the non-profit charity sector is an asset
• Experience with marketing & advertising and intellectual property law in order to advise our Fundraising teams
• Experience with information technology and privacy law in order to advise on digital transformation activities
• Experience in health law is considered an asset
• Strong customer service, communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; communicate with technical and non-technical users
• Experience working in a team-oriented environment
• Capacity to work independently while exercising sound judgment in decision-making and recognizing when to seek support
• Proven ability to manage a substantial workload and prioritize effectively to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Bilingualism (French / English) is preferred, with French being an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations and the need for effective communication across various regions
• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity and complex concepts

What You Can Expect From Us

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change :

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROUS

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance—and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and salary expectations by September 30th, 2025.

We thank all candidates for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Other Information

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate recruitment-related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre-employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law. We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by [e-mail]. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

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