Corporate Commercial Securities Lawyer | McLennan Ross LLP

Some legal careers are defined by a narrow specialty. This one is defined by range, ownership and impact. McLennan Ross is seeking a Corporate Commercial Securities Lawyer to become a trusted adviser to businesses, public bodies and communities across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern Canada.

Based in Yellowknife, you will step into active client relationships and a diverse pipeline of work while helping shape the next chapter of the firm’s northern corporate-commercial practice. You will have the autonomy and visibility of a local office, supported by the resources and subject-matter depth of colleagues in Edmonton and Calgary.

The Opportunity

This is a role for a lawyer who wants to be close to the work, the clients and the decisions that matter. You will advise across corporate and commercial matters, transactions, governance, financing, real estate, leasing, municipal work and northern securities requirements. The files are varied and often fast-moving; the relationships are direct; and the opportunity to build a durable practice is real.

What You Will Do

• Advise private corporations, joint ventures and partnerships on day-to-day corporate and commercial matters.
• Lead incorporations, amalgamations, reorganizations, asset and share transactions, financings and wind-ups.
• Draft and negotiate shareholder, partnership and other commercial agreements.
• Advise on commercial and residential real estate transactions and act for landlords and tenants on leasing matters.
• Provide practical legal advice to municipal councils, governments, public bodies and community organizations.
• Prepare security opinions and support securities compliance and local-agency work in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• Collaborate across the firm and travel to northern communities when the work calls for it.

Why This Role Stands Apart

• Earlier ownership: Take meaningful responsibility for files and client relationships sooner than is typical in larger markets.
• Breadth with purpose: Work across private-company transactions, governance, financing, real estate, municipal matters and northern projects.
• A platform to build: Join an established practice with active demand, longstanding relationships, a substantial corporate records portfolio and experienced local support.
• Local autonomy, firm-wide depth: Build your practice in Yellowknife while drawing on colleagues and expertise across a Chambers-recognized Western Canadian firm.
• A path forward: Grow toward partnership within a single firm-wide partnership, supported by a competitive salary, benefits and a generous bonus plan.
• A life beyond the office: Live in a connected northern capital with a vibrant community, modern amenities and immediate access to wilderness and year-round recreation.

Who Will Thrive Here

You are a pragmatic, entrepreneurial corporate-commercial lawyer who is energized by variety, direct client relationships and the opportunity to build. You bring confidence without overconfidence: you can make practical decisions, move files forward and recognize when a colleague’s perspective will strengthen the result. You are organized, responsive and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

Your background may come from private practice or an in-house role. Experience in several of the following areas will be valuable: private-company M&A, incorporations and reorganizations, shareholder or partnership agreements, commercial contracts, financing and security, real estate, leasing and corporate governance. Municipal experience is a strong differentiator. Exposure to mining and resources, transportation, government, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profits or northern legal requirements would also translate well.

What You Bring

• Membership in good standing with a Canadian law society and eligibility for admission in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
• At least three years of corporate-commercial practice or relevant in-house legal experience.
• Strong drafting, legal research, communication and technology skills.
• Sound judgment, integrity, discretion and a practical, client-centred approach.
• The ability to work effectively across cultures, communities and offices.
• A genuine commitment to living in Yellowknife, working on-site and serving clients throughout Northern Canada.

About McLennan Ross

McLennan Ross is one of Western Canada’s premier law firms, with roots dating to 1903 and a national impact from offices in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The firm is recognized by Chambers Canada for General Business Law in Northern Canada and the Arctic. Its culture is professional, collegial and approachable, grounded in unrivalled client focus, drive, authenticity and a commitment to making a difference.

Make The North Your Next Move

If you are ready to combine sophisticated work with genuine autonomy, community connection and long-term career opportunity, we would like to hear from you.

Contact Leadership Source

For more information, please contact Leadership Source at search@leadershipsource.ca or 306-543-1666.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Early applications are encouraged as the firm may proceed with interviews and move forward with a preferred candidate once a strong match has been identified.