Senior Legal Counsels

Building Ontario Fund; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A government-funded agency in Ontario is looking for experienced Senior Legal Counsels. The role involves providing high-quality legal advice, managing transactions, and interpreting relevant legislation within a collaborative environment. Candidates should have a J.D. and strong negotiating skills. This is a full-time position with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable legal experience preferably in debt/equity finance, project finance, or real estate.
• Experience advising public sector entities or government-backed programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice to internal clients and leadership.
• Draft and negotiate complex agreements.
• Manage external counsel and legal research.

Skills

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

Ability to manage complex transactions

Strong self-direction and teamwork

Education

B. or J.D. and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario

Job description

The Organization

Headquartered in Toronto, the Building Ontario Fund (BOF) is a new independent, board-governed agency that will facilitate investment by trusted institutional investors in critically needed large-scale infrastructure projects within the province.

The agency’s mandate is to invest in, and seek to attract investment from, qualified institutional investors, public sector entities, governments, and Indigenous communities in Ontario infrastructure projects that will generate revenue and are in the public’s interest. BOF will do this by:

• Investing in infrastructure and appropriately allocating risks amongst the Corporation and other investors
• Structuring proposals and negotiating agreements with investors in infrastructure projects
• Receiving and assessing unsolicited ideas and proposals for infrastructure
• Providing advisory services with respect to financing infrastructure projects

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Assistant General Counsel, BOF is seeking permanent full-time Senior Legal Counsels to fill two (2) existing vacancies and take on the following responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality, commercially minded legal advice to internal clients and senior leadership on matters related to BOF’s mandate.
• Be the in-house lead on transactions, supporting the Investments team and senior management.
• Support the Assistant General Counsel on cross-functional initiatives and complex transactions, as required.
• Structure, draft, and negotiate complex agreements to reflect transaction needs and supports.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with transaction partners, external counsel, and stakeholders.
• Manage external counsel and translate legal advice into actionable recommendations for senior management.
• Represent BOF in engagements with government officials, private sector partners, and the public, as required.
• Educate internal teams on legal matters through presentations and consultations.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations, and government directives to ensure BOF’s activities are compliant with legal and policy frameworks at all times, including advising staff and senior management where appropriate.
• Provide legal support for the development and review of internal policies, governance frameworks, and board materials.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with BOF’s operations and investments and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Conduct legal research and draft formal legal opinions on matters impacting BOF’s mandate.
• Perform other legal and leadership duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• B. or J.D. and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Demonstratable and progressive legal experience, preferably in debt/equity finance, project finance and/or real estate finance transactions, gained in-house or in private practice, or a combination thereof.
• Transaction experience in any of Indigenous finance, affordable housing, long-term care, energy, transportation, and municipal/community infrastructure preferred, but not required.
• Experience advising public sector entities, Crown agencies, or government-backed investment programs preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, with a talent for translating legal concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage complex transactions and provide strategic legal advice in a public sector or high-profile environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, pivot rapidly, and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and to collaborate with others in a team setting.

Application

• To apply, please submit your resume through LinkedIn by Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Previous applicants to the Corporate Secretary & Corporate Counsel role are welcome and encouraged to submit for this opportunity. We thank you for your interest in the Building Ontario Fund. Applicant selection is based on, but not limited to technical competence, in-depth experience in relevant sectors and educational background. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with a disability taking part in the recruitment process.
• At Building Ontario Fund, we are committed to diversity, transparency, and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people regardless of nationality, religion, gender or gender expression, race or ethnicity, disability, or sexual identity or orientation.