Senior Legal Counsel

BC Housing; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing authority in British Columbia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal advice and work collaboratively on community revitalizations and real estate projects. The ideal candidate will have a Law Degree, extensive experience in legal settings, and strong analytical skills. Responsibilities include advising on various legal matters in social housing and assisting in the development of residential projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an in-house or external law setting.
• Member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for membership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to BC Housing.
• Work on community revitalizations and residential development projects.
• Assist on various real estate matters including commercial leasing and secured financing.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of existing federal and provincial common law

Ability to explain complex legal issues

Excellent leadership and communication skills

Strong strategic and analytical thinking

Education

Law Degree (LL.B or J.D)

Licenses to practice law in British Columbia

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the Senior Legal Counsel provides strategic legal advice to BC Housing. He / she / they are involved with risk mitigation and work closely with the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Board, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Team, and the management team to identify and leverage strategies to fulfill operational needs. The position will provide reporting to the Executive Committee, Board of Commissioners, staff, and other relevant stakeholders.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will have the following :

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

• A Law Degree (LL.B or J.D) from a recognized post-secondary institution and a license to practice law in British Columbia.
• Member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia or eligible for membership within a three (3) month period of accepting the position.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an in-house and / or external law setting.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the employer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Extensive knowledge of existing federal and provincial common law and legislations that impact BC Housing’s operations.
• Extensive knowledge of interpreting regulations, policies, and statutes.
• Ability to learn and understand BC Housing’s mandate, programs, and policies in delivering social housing programs and services throughout the province.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues and provide recommendations to address issues to a wide range of audiences within and outside of BC Housing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with private and non‑profit partners, various government agencies, external legal counsels, various associations / councils, and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make difficult decisions independently.
• Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to lead and manage a number of complex files, initiatives, and demands concurrently.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent consultative, facilitation, consensus‑building, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Excellent research and investigative capabilities to determine facts and apply law and policy, and reasoned analysis skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem‑solving, negotiating and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking. Extensive knowledge of Court Rules and Civil Procedures.
• Strong knowledge and in‑depth understanding of First Nations legal issues, specifically in relation to treaties, land claims, and management, legislation, First Nations government and governance.
• Criminal Record Check is required.

Real Estate and Development Focus

Works in collaboration with Development Asset Strategies team on community revitalizations, residential development projects, real estate financings, and construction matters.

Provides legal advice and assistance on a wide assortment of general real estate matters including commercial leasing, purchase and sale, secured financing, mortgage re‑financings, real estate development, construction, and license agreements.