Senior Corporate Legal Counsel

Summary

Join the OTIP Group of Companies (OGC) as a key member of the corporate legal team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer. You will provide practical legal advice to leadership and internal business partners, solving complex legal issues and proactively managing risks. Core responsibilities include preparing and reviewing legal agreements, negotiating contract terms, liaising with cross-functional teams, conducting legal research, monitoring regulatory requirements, conducting legal reviews of internal policies, overseeing corporate law compliance, and working collaboratively with stakeholders. You will also manage the legal process, contribute to internal knowledge resources, and manage and develop team members. The ideal candidate possesses a JD or LLB, 5-10 years of in-house counsel experience (preferably in corporate financial services or insurance), and proven experience in contract lifecycle management. Strong communication, negotiation, and risk management skills are essential.

Requirements

• 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’ experience as in-house counsel. Experience in a corporate financial services and/or insurance company would be considered an asset
• Proven experience in contract lifecycle management, drafting, review and negotiation
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and prioritize work effectively by taking a risk-based approach
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate legal advice clearly to non-legal stakeholders
• Ability to engage and influence others with confidence, build solid working relationships and work as a team player
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and commitment to accuracy with experience addressing multiple projects
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze and review a variety of legal agreements, including NDAs, MSAs, vendor agreements, lease agreements and service contracts, etc., 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 favourable outcomes, protecting OGC’s interests
• Liase 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 that impact OGC, advising on risks and the most appropriate response or action
• Monitor and maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements related to OGC, such as individual insurance products, group health benefits, employment law, AI, and privacy law and advise on regulatory requirements and developments. Communicate important legal updates and processes across teams in clear and concise language
• Conduct legal review of internal policies, and business initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance
• Oversee corporate law compliance and governance matters, providing expert legal advice and risk management guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
• Work collaboratively with business partners and internal stakeholders to provide practical, risk-based legal advice on a wide range of matters
• Oversee the legal process, including management of outside counsel as necessary when external legal expertise is required, ensuring high-quality service and cost-effectiveness
• Contribute to internal knowledge resources and support continuous improvement of legal workflows
• Manage, coach and develop members of the legal services team

Preferred Qualifications

The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset

Benefits

• Rewarding salary and bonuses that truly value your dedication
• Industry-leading group benefits with 100% premium coverage (excluding LTD) that start on your first day
• Defined benefit pension plan for a financially confident retirement
• 100% coverage of approved continuing education and licensing fees (including RIBO courses in Ontario)
• Flexible work-from-home and hybrid options
• Unlock your potential with opportunities for advancement