Legal Counsel

BYD Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

BYD Canada is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to oversee all legal matters for its operations in Canada. The role serves as a trusted advisor to senior management and business teams, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and protecting commercial interests.

Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, advising on regulatory changes, managing disputes, and coordinating with global and regional legal teams to align standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws required and admitted to the Bar in Canada or another common law jurisdiction.
• Minimum 8 years of in-house counsel or international law firm experience.
• Strong experience in commercial contracts, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
• Automotive, mobility, or industrial sector experience is a strong asset.
• Experience with cross-border or multi-jurisdictional matters is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of complex commercial agreements aligned with corporate policies.
• Provide day-to-day legal advice to support business units and risk management.
• Oversee regulatory compliance programs and governance requirements.
• Coordinate with external counsel and manage disputes, claims, and arbitration matters.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Procurement, Network Development, HR, and Operations on strategic initiatives.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Regulatory compliance

Dispute resolution

Risk management

Strategic advisory

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

LLB/JD

Bar admission (Canada)

Job description

The Legal Counsel is responsible for overseeing all legal matters related to BYD’s operations in Canada. This role serves as a key legal advisor to senior management and business teams, ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations while safeguarding the company’s commercial interests.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and practical legal guidance across commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and risk management, supporting BYD’s growth in the Canadian automotive market.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contracts & Transaction Support

• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a wide range of complex commercial agreements, including but not limited to:
• Automotive finance agreements
• Dealer and distributor agreements
• Fleet sales agreements
• Supply and procurement contracts
• Operational and service-related agreements
• Ensure contracts align with corporate policies, business objectives, and applicable legal frameworks.
• Provide legal risk assessment and mitigation strategies for business transactions.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

• Provide day-to-day legal advice to business units to identify, assess, and manage legal risks.
• Support management with clear, practical, and commercially oriented legal guidance.
• Develop and implement legal risk management strategies across business operations.
• Monitor legal developments and regulatory changes impacting the automotive industry in Canada.

Compliance & Governance

• Support corporate compliance programs, including regulatory compliance, internal policies, and governance requirements.
• Provide guidance on ethical standards, corporate conduct, and regulatory obligations.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and risk awareness programs for internal stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate legal disputes, claims, litigation, and arbitration matters.
• Liaise with external counsel and manage outside legal service providers.
• Develop case strategies and ensure efficient resolution of legal disputes.

Cross-Functional Business Support

• Partner closely with Sales, Finance, Procurement, Network Development, HR, and Operations teams.
• Support business initiatives including market expansion, dealer network development, and financial services programs from a legal perspective.
• Translate complex legal issues into practical business solutions.

Internal Coordination & Legal Strategy

• Collaborate with global and regional legal teams to ensure alignment on legal standards and policies.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of legal frameworks and best practices.
• Provide legal input on strategic initiatives and cross-border transactions where applicable.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in law from a recognized university is required.
• Admission to the Bar in Canada or another common law jurisdiction is required.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 8 years of legal experience as in-house counsel or in a reputable international law firm.
• Strong experience in commercial contracts, corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
• Automotive, mobility, or industrial sector experience is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in cross-border or multi-jurisdictional legal matters is highly desirable.