Legal Counsel (Technology)

Toronto Pearson International Airport; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement planning

Comprehensive group health benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid leave

Education, training and recognition

Job summary

Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) seeks a capable Legal Counsel to provide strategic, business-minded legal guidance on technology, data and innovation initiatives at Toronto Pearson. You will review and negotiate complex tech agreements and advise on regulatory matters.

You will monitor legal developments, support public disclosures and ensure compliance while managing external counsel when needed. Strong leadership and a practical, risk-based approach are essential.

Qualifications

• University degree in Law (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum five years of post-call experience with a leading law firm or in-house counsel.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on technology, digital transformation, data and innovation initiatives.
• Draft, negotiate and manage complex technology-related agreements (software licensing, SaaS, cloud, outsourcing).
• Advise on technology law matters including AI, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
• Support compliance oversight of ground lease and regulatory filings, including annual reports.
• Monitor developments in law and educate employees through presentations and guidance.
• Identify when external counsel is needed and manage engagement budgets.

Skills

Legal analysis

Drafting & negotiation

Public speaking

Leadership & mentoring

Time management

Stakeholder engagement

Legal risk advice

Microsoft Office

Education

LL.B. or J.D.

Law Society of Ontario member

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal department software

Job description

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now's the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada's leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers, all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• Retirement planning and comprehensive group health benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and paid leave.
• Education, training, recognition and rewards programs.

What can you expect from this position?

The Legal Counsel provides business-oriented, value-added, strategic and timely legal advice to the GTAA. Working directly with business leaders and collaboratively with internal and external legal counsel, you will support a broad range of legal matters, including complex commercial transactions, major leases, acquisitions, capital expenditures, financing and securities matters, new ventures, regulatory compliance, and corporate disclosure. You will also support oversight of compliance with the Ground Lease and applicable laws and legislation, and contribute to public disclosure filings, including the Annual Information Form, Management's Discussion and Analysis, and Annual Report.

As Legal Counsel, you will:

• Provide strategic, practical, and business-focused legal advice to all levels of the GTAA on technology, digital transformation, data, and innovation initiatives, enabling leaders to manage legal risk while advancing organizational objectives.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and manage a broad range of complex technology-related agreements, including software licensing, SaaS, cloud services, outsourcing, managed services, technology procurement, systems implementation, and digital platform arrangements.
• Advise on technology law matters, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, operational technology, digital products and services, intellectual property, e-commerce, technology procurement, regulatory compliance, and emerging technologies. Provide support on commercial transactions, contracts and negotiations, strategic partnerships, procurement and competitive processes, and other business initiatives requiring technology-related legal expertise.
• Research, test and implement methods that improve legal service delivery.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and help employees understand issues relevant to the GTAA's business through presentations, newsletters, intranet content and practical legal guidance.
• Identify when specialized external counsel is required and provide instructions, oversight and budget management.
• Support Senior Legal Counsel on major strategic initiatives and cross-train to strengthen coverage and professional growth.
• Perform other legal-related duties as assigned.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• A university degree in Law (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• A minimum of five years of post-call experience with a leading law firm, as in-house counsel for a leading corporation, or a combination of both.
• Strong legal, analytical, drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to provide practical, creative, solution-oriented and risk-based advice.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, coaching and management capabilities, including experience guiding students, legal assistants and law clerks to deliver results.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently, manage changing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, diplomacy and consensus-building skills, including the ability to engage stakeholders and determine when matters should be escalated to General Counsel or external counsel.
• Experience supporting business objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment while exercising sound and ethical judgment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal department software applications.
• The ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.
• The salary for this management, non-unionized position is competitive and will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

Key Attributes Required for this Role:

• Solutions-Oriented and Curious
• Collaborative and Approachable
• High Standards and Attention to Detail
• Emotionally Intelligent
• Strong Leadership and Influencing Skills
• Accountable and Proactive
• Sound Judgment and Practical Decision-Making
• Adaptable and Comfortable Navigating Ambiguity
• Commercially Minded and Business Focused
• Passion for Innovation, Technology and Continuous Learning

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.