Senior Corporate Counsel

Detailed Job Description

PetroChina Canada (PCC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroChina Company Limited which is partially owned by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), a state-owned enterprise. CNPC is China's largest oil company and the world's third largest oil company, operating 91 energy-related projects in over 35 countries and regions. PCC has invested billions of dollars in an asset-rich portfolio of upstream, midstream and downstream operations. In Alberta, this includes our MacKay River and Dover oilsands projects, Duvernay Shale Gas and a 50% interest in the Grand Rapids Pipeline. In British Columbia, we hold joint venture interests in the Groundbirch tight gas project and LNG Canada.

The Senior Corporate Counsel is responsible for handling a wide range of complex and specialized legal matters, while also providing high-level legal advice and support to business units, asset teams and their respective projects.

Accountabilities

The accountabilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Provide practical legal advice, expertise, and direction on a broad range of legal matters to all business units and asset teams.
2. Ensure that day-to-day business activities and operations comply with relevant PCC policies, industry standards and applicable laws and regulations.
3. Negotiate, draft and review various contracts to ensure the interests of PCC are protected, and provide feedback and advice to internal stakeholders.
4. Ensure that all commercial agreements and documents align with PCC’s strategic objectives, mitigate legal risks, and adhere to industry standards.
5. Prepare and/or revise corporate legal documents, including shareholder agreements, guarantees, powers of attorney, formal responses on behalf of PCC, and other legal instruments.
6. Identify and assess potential legal risks in ongoing projects and operations, offering practical solutions to mitigate exposure.
7. Manage or oversee ongoing litigation, arbitration, or other dispute resolution processes and possible internal investigations.
8. Provide legal support on matters related to environmental regulations, health and safety laws, and sustainability practices.
9. Act as a trusted advisor to PCC management team on strategic business decisions, providing insights into the legal implications of potential business opportunities or challenges.
10. Research and provide updates to PCC management team on applicable laws, regulations and policies potentially affecting the business.
11. Coordinate and manage legal services provided by external counsel.
12. Assist VP, Legal & Internal Audit with other legal matters as requested.

Qualifications:

1. A law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school and admission to the Alberta Bar.
2. Over 10+ years of post-call legal experience, with a mix of private practice and in-house roles preferred.
3. Extensive experience in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance and good understanding of the oil and gas exploration, production, marketing, financial derivatives, and transportation sectors.
4. Specific experience in marketing and commercial law is considered an asset.
5. Excellent knowledge of current oil and gas industry standards and legislation.
6. Demonstrates urgency and dedication to achieving results in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
7. Proven ability to assess legal risks and develop practical, business-focused solutions.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
9. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
10. Collaborative team player with a positive and solution-driven attitude.
11. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
12. Adoption and demonstration of PCC Values (Honorable, Unified, Passionate, Accountable).