Legal Counsel

Giesecke+Devrient; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in York Region, Canada, is seeking a Legal Counsel to support business transactions. The ideal candidate will have over seven years of experience in contract negotiation and drafting, with a strong focus on technology agreements. This role includes a hybrid work environment and requires collaboration with global teams. A JD degree and active bar membership are mandatory.

Benefits

Hybrid work environment

Diversity and inclusion policy

Employee development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in negotiating commercial contracts.
• Active applicable bar membership required.
• Experience in IP licensing and technology agreements is essential.

Responsibilities

• Draft, analyze, and negotiate commercial agreements for global interests.
• Provide legal analysis and advice on contract matters.
• Interface with business teams to ensure compliance with legal standards.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Contract drafting and analysis

Organizational skills

Technological proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Education

JD Degree

Tools

Contract Lifecycle Management Systems

Job description

Overview

Reporting to the Head of the Legal Department, the Legal Counsel will work as a member of the Legal Department and play a critical role in assisting in the negotiation and closure of company business transactions. Working with business teams, the Legal Counsel supports the planning, evaluation, review, drafting, and negotiation of a variety of technology and commercial agreements with customers, under the supervision of the Head, Legal Services. The candidate must have prior experience with structuring technology transactions, negotiating commercial contracts, an understanding of legal and business risk issues, and a working knowledge of IP licensing matters. The Legal Counsel will work with appropriate supervision. The candidate must have a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant previous experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the Legal Department to draft, analyze, interpret, redline & negotiate a variety of commercial agreements for both domestic and international business for protection of the company’s global interests, including but not limited to:
  • product sales agreements, maintenance agreements, license agreements, hosted service agreements, product development agreements, partner alliances and other collaboration agreements, RFPs, NDAs, MOUs, purchase agreements, OEM and reseller agreements, vendor agreements, equipment and software maintenance and service agreements, consulting agreements, commercial leasing agreements, and other required and relevant commercial transaction documents, including preparation of amendments to existing contracts.
• Provide legal analysis and advice to members of corporate clients on contract matters.
• Assist in the interface with global business teams to understand key IP and commercial requirements and ensure that contractual terms comply with management priorities and company legal and business policies and procedures.
• Assist in employee training of Corporate Contract Policy and contract management tools and transfer of know-how and best practices to staff.
• Review and assess legal developments including changes in regulatory framework.

Qualifications, Experience and Educational Requirements

Work Experience:

• Seven (7) plus years direct hands-on experience structuring, drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of transactions to achieve business objectives and experience in counseling on commercial matters related to sales of software and products, including experience gained in-house and/or at a major law firm.
• Experience providing transactional support for intellectual property and technology agreements, including IP licenses, software and other technology agreements.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organizational and planning skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple transactions and projects simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Technologically proficient, preferably with experience in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems, enabling efficient contract processing, template management, and data-driven insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to succinctly communicate legal subject matter to business clients and non-attorneys.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; highly collaborative, team environment.
• Excellent business judgment, ability to think strategically and give practical advice independently.
• Must be able to contribute to successful development and implementation of departmental initiatives.
• Proactive and takes initiative.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with corporate clients in a highly effective manner.

Education:

• Active applicable bar membership, JD Degree.

Working Conditions

• Office environment
• Hybrid work
• Travel to the USA (30%)

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The candidate hired will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the supervisor. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as needed. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By applying to this position you are confirming you possess either a Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or valid work permit.

Please note: Reference Checks and Credit, Criminal Background Checks will be administered on suitably qualified candidates. Your application will be kept on file for up to two years.

Giesecke+Devrient ePayments Canada, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you would like to contact us, please contact Human Resources at careers.gdsci at gi-de dot com