Senior Corporate Legal Counsel

OTIP Group of Companies (OGC); Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A corporate legal firm in Waterloo is seeking an in-house counsel to provide legal advice on risks, manage contracts, and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will have a JD or LLB, 5-10 years of experience in a corporate setting, and strong contract negotiation skills. This full-time role offers competitive salary, industry-leading benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonuses

100% premium coverage for benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Continuing education coverage

Flexible work-from-home options

Opportunities for advancement

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience as in-house counsel is preferred.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines using a risk-based approach.
• Experienced in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review legal agreements ensuring compliance.
• Negotiate contract terms and mitigate risks.
• Advise on insurance regulations and compliance issues.

Skills

Contract lifecycle management

Communication skills

Risk management

Negotiation

Attention to detail

French language skills

Education

JD or LLB from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

What You'll Do :

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, you'll be a key member of the corporate legal team, providing practical advice to leadership and internal business partners on a wide range of risks. You will be relied upon to solve complex legal issues and proactively manage risks associated with third-party contracts, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

The core parts of your role will be to :

• Prepare, analyze, and review a variety of legal agreements including NDAs, MSAs, vendor agreements, lease agreements, and service contracts, ensuring compliance with legal standards and company policies.
• Negotiate contract terms with partners, vendors, and service providers to identify and mitigate potential risks and achieve favorable outcomes, protecting OGC's interests.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams such as vendor management, third-party risk management, and privacy to support contract lifecycle management.
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries or guidance on insurance regulations, licensing, and compliance issues across Canadian jurisdictions impacting OGC, advising on risks and appropriate responses.
• Monitor and maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements related to OGC, such as insurance products, group health benefits, employment law, AI, and privacy law, and advise on regulatory developments. Communicate legal updates clearly across teams.
• Review internal policies and business initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee corporate law compliance and governance matters, providing legal advice and risk management guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with business partners and stakeholders to provide practical, risk-based legal advice on various matters.
• Manage the legal process, including outside counsel when necessary, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective legal services.
• Contribute to internal knowledge resources and support the improvement of legal workflows.
• Manage, coach, and develop members of the legal team.

Let's Talk About You :

This is the unique blend of skills and experience we seek in an ideal candidate :

• A JD or LLB from an accredited law school and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience as in-house counsel, preferably in a corporate, financial services, or insurance setting.
• Proven experience in contract lifecycle management, drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and prioritize effectively, using a risk-based approach.
• Strong communication skills, capable of explaining legal advice clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to influence others, build relationships, and work collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and experience managing multiple projects.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• French language skills are considered an asset.

We also value your potential. If you believe you can do the job but your experience doesn't exactly match the qualifications, we encourage you to apply and tell us why you're a great fit.

Additional Information :

Some of the Perks We Offer :

• Competitive salary and bonuses that recognize your dedication.
• Industry-leading benefits with 100% premium coverage (excluding LTD) from day one.
• Defined benefit pension plan for a secure retirement.
• Coverage of continuing education and licensing fees, including RIBO courses in Ontario.
• Flexible work-from-home and hybrid options.
• Opportunities for advancement and growth.

If you're interested, please apply online. OTIP and its affiliates are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment, providing accommodations upon request.

We value diversity and inclusion and are an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

LI-Hybrid

Remote Work : Employment Type :

Full-time