Project Counsel

Arcadis; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a high-performing Project Counsel to join its Canadian Mobility Team. In this role, you will provide comprehensive legal support for major infrastructure projects, particularly in transit and public-private partnerships. You will negotiate contracts, manage claims, and advise on risk mitigation strategies, all while collaborating with diverse teams across the organization. This position offers flexibility and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a company committed to sustainable solutions and improving quality of life.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years’ post-qualification experience in-house or law firm.
• Licensed to practice in Ontario or another Canadian province.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support for contracts like Design-Build-Finance and Progressive Design-Build.
• Negotiate risk allocation provisions in contracts and support claims related to delays.

Skills

Problem-solving

Risk management

Claims management

Dispute resolution

Communication

Education

J.D. or LL.B.

Job description

Join to apply for the Project Counsel role at Arcadis

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

Arcadis seeks to add a high performing and experienced project counsel to its growing Canadian Mobility Team. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting major infrastructure projects in a legal capacity, particularly involving transit, rail, or large public-private partnerships. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills, superior oral and written communication, and the ability to anticipate and deliver legal support for a dynamic, diverse, and global business team. The position is flexible, located in any Canadian Arcadis office.

Role accountabilities:

In this role, you will provide comprehensive legal support during the pursuit, negotiation, and delivery of contracts such as Design-Build-Finance, Progressive Design-Build, Target Cost Contracts, and Alliance Contracting. You will negotiate risk allocation provisions in upstream and downstream contracts, including indemnities, limitations of liability, and delay liquidated damages. You will work in multi-party governance environments, coordinating with joint venture partners, lenders, and public authorities. As Project Counsel, you will interpret contractual and technical documents, draft legal correspondence, and support claims related to delays or breaches.

You will be familiar with project insurance structures, including professional indemnity, PSPL, and surety bonds, especially in complex infrastructure projects and alternative delivery methods. Working with claim analysts, you will investigate and analyze project documents to support claims and disputes, aiming to mitigate issues early. You will advise on dispute resolution strategies, coordinate with outside counsel as needed, and develop risk mitigation strategies with senior leadership. Additional duties may include providing general legal advice as directed.

Key attributes:

• Independent problem-solver with strong collaboration skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Skilled in risk management, claims management, and dispute resolution
• Effective communicator with cross-disciplinary teams
• Client-focused and entrepreneurial mindset
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn
• Ability to operate in a global, matrixed organization

Qualifications & Experience:

• J.D. or LL.B., with 2-5 years’ post-qualification experience, in-house or law firm
• Licensed to practice in Ontario or another Canadian province
• Experience supporting major infrastructure projects, especially transit, rail, or P3s
• Knowledge of DB, DBFOM, or alternative delivery contracts
• Experience with claims, risk management, and project insurance (e.g., PSPL)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across organizations
• Solid understanding of Canadian public contracting laws

Why Arcadis?

We believe everyone’s contribution matters and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We offer meaningful work in delivering sustainable solutions for a better planet. Join us to create a lasting legacy.

Compensation:

The salary range is $110,000 - $150,000, based on experience, skills, and location.