Legal Counsel II

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

We embody our values in everything that we do. We Serve with Passion, Think Forward, and Play as a Team. If you can relate, we want to hear from you!

Our General Counsel & Corporate Secretary office is currently seeking two (2) talented commercial lawyers to join our busy and collegial legal team, located in downtown Toronto. Reporting to a Director, Legal Services, the successful candidates will be required to provide proactive, timely and strategic advice to senior business leaders and their teams, or business units, gaining exposure to a wide variety of work on a broad range of matters, including complex infrastructure construction projects, transit-oriented development, and day-to-day operations. Successful candidates will also work through collaboration and partnership with other transit agencies, multiple regional and municipal governments in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, the federal government, and the private sector.

Ideal candidates will have 5 - 8 years of Corporate/Commercial experience, gained from a major firm, corporation or government agency. Excellent drafting skills and experience working with complex commercial contracts will be required. Experience in any of the following areas would be an asset: Construction Law, Infrastructure Law, Municipal Law, Contract and Claims Management, and Procurement Law.

What will I be doing?

• Works independently and with project teams to develop and manage key commercial contracts
• Provides high-quality and timely legal advice, strategic advice, research, opinions, guidance and service on matters pertaining to large complex transactions, including capital projects such as linear infrastructure projects, utilities issues, procurement and contract and claims management
• Accountable for matters within an assigned portfolio of legal work grouped by business unit, program or project as assigned by a senior lawyer
• Works effectively with various agencies, departments and levels of management within and external to the organization, including engineers, program managers, business and financial analysts, consultants and executives
• Directs and manages external counsel on multiple projects making recommendations, as necessary, to the Legal Management Team
• Advises and leads presentations to all levels of Management, including briefings of Senior Management and Division Heads
• Understands how to prioritize tasks, push files forward and escalates issues appropriately
• Maintains an awareness of current provincial and federal legislation and regulations that may impact Metrolinx; recommends amendments to existing policies and procedures arising from relevant legislative or regulatory changes; provides advice/opinions on the interpretation of legislation
• Provides proactive and strategic legal advice to organization outside of specific legal assignments
• Assists with developing training and mentorship programs for junior lawyers and students
• Provides feedback and direction to paralegal and administrative staff

• Completion of a degree in law (JD or LLB)
• Minimum five (5) years’ legal experience within the area of Corporate/Commercial law; experience in any of: Construction Law, Infrastructure Law, Contract and Claims Management, and Procurement Law, would be an asset
• Membership in the Law Society of Ontario as a Lawyer in good standing is required
• Contributing to corporate policies, standards, and procedures to minimize corporate legal risk and protect position and assets
• Ability to provide sound legal advice and suggest business-oriented solutions to complex legal issues in commercial and political contexts
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, oral/written/presentation skills to draft documentation, provide legal opinions and interpretations, and direct and manage external legal counsel effectively

Accommodation:

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process, as required. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.

Application Process:

To apply for this position, please submit your resume online through the Current Opportunities page.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER