Legal Counsel

The Counsel Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established investment fund manager located in Toronto is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel. The ideal candidate will play a proactive role in financing transactions and lead mortgage loan closings, requiring 7-10 years of experience in banking & finance law. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth within a committed team environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• Self-starter with a client-focused outlook and sound business acumen.
• 7-10+ years of experience in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Advising on financing transactions and preparing transaction documents.
• Leading mortgage loan closing activities.
• Engaging service providers for due diligence.
• Reviewing loan documents and ensuring compliance.

Skills

Banking & finance law expertise

Commercial mortgage funding

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

LL.B. or J.D. degree

Good standing with a Canadian Law Society

Job description

Overview

The Counsel Network (now a part of Caldwell) has been retained by a well-established investment fund manager and commercial mortgage lender to conduct a search for a Legal Counsel in Toronto, Canada. Our client is an independently owned firm serving institutional and private wealth clients nationwide. With a focused and disciplined approach, as well as a strong set of core values, the organization has played a key role in the development of the Canadian CMBS industry and remains a leader in the marketplace. Since its inception, the firm has originated and closed billions in commercial mortgages, established multiple investment funds, and launched securitization initiatives that have significantly shaped the industry. The company is seeking a skilled and business‑oriented lawyer to join its team.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a senior member of our client's team, taking a proactive role advising and assisting on financing transactions across all asset classes including negotiating and drafting transaction documents. This role will also be directly responsible for leading the mortgage loan closing activities and building that team’s capabilities.

• Prepare and negotiate commitment letters in compliance with credit requirements.
• Engage service providers to complete property and legal due diligence.
• Prepare introductory letters to borrowers with checklists and due diligence documents.
• Review tenant estoppel and related documents.
• Provide support to borrowers and originators / underwriters by initiating requests for information and documentation concerning the closing of each loan file.
• Work closely with borrowers on closing their mortgage loan.
• Work with all third-party service providers to facilitate each loan closing file.
• Review loan documents and legal due diligence and documentation.
• Ensure all escrow and reserve requirements are documented by working closely with the originators / underwriters.
• Review and / or prepare closing documents and provide instructions to legal counsel in negotiation of loan documents.
• Work closely with third party syndication partners to document and fund mortgage loan transactions.
• Review documentation to ensure conditions are cleared to close.
• Prepare and balance closing numbers, requisition funds, and arrange funding wires.
• Check that disclosure tolerances are within guidelines and assure that all procedures meet internal and investor requirements, as well as compliance to all regulatory and governmental agencies.
• Take on increased responsibility over time.

Education and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Good standing with a Canadian Law Society.
• 7-10+ years of experience in banking & finance law and / or real estate financing, with a focus on commercial mortgage funding.
• A self-starter with a client-focused outlook and sound business acumen.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Offering competitive compensation and this is an excellent opportunity for professional growth and be part of a leading team committed to excellence, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism.