Counsel, Commercial and Aircraft Finance
- Air Canada
- Dorval, Quebec, Canada
- Oct 24, 2026
Full time
Lawyer (In House Counsel)
Job Description
About Air Canada
Being part of Air Canada means joining an iconic Canadian symbol and the top-ranked airline in North America. Let your career take flight with a diverse, vibrant team leading the edge of global passenger aviation.As Canada's flag carrier and largest airline, Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance—the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Holding a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax, Air Canada serves over 180 airports across six continents.
Our ecosystem includes:
- Aeroplan: Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, connecting members to a partner network of 45 airlines alongside extensive merchandise, hotel, and car rental options.
- Air Canada Vacations: Canada’s leading tour operator, offering tailored vacation packages across hundreds of destinations worldwide.
- Air Canada Cargo: Providing global air freight lift and logistics connectivity using both passenger and dedicated freighter fleets.
The Opportunity
Air Canada’s innovative Legal Department operates as a strategic business partner across the organization. We are seeking a dedicated Counsel (Commercial Transactions & Aviation) to join our legal team in Montreal, Quebec.This role focuses primarily on commercial transactions related to aircraft, aviation equipment, and mission-critical procurement. Working alongside senior counsel and internal executives, you will support projects from early-stage concept and letters of intent through final execution and closing.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Contracting: Draft, review, negotiate, and structure a wide array of commercial agreements, including aircraft purchase/sale contracts, aviation leases, and mission-critical procurement agreements.
- Legal Advisory & Risk Management: Provide practical, pragmatic legal advice on contractual, regulatory, and business issues while identifying and mitigating legal and operational risks.
- End-to-End Deal Support: Serve as a core legal resource for internal business clients across all project phases—from preliminary term sheets to transaction completion.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with senior leadership, internal business units, and external counterparties in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant commercial legal experience gained within a major law firm or established in-house legal department.
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Education & Bar Admission:
- Active membership in good standing with a Canadian provincial Bar or U.S. State Bar.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Dual training in Common Law and Civil Law is considered a strong asset.
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Core Competencies:
- Exceptional drafting, analytical, negotiation, and oral/written communication skills.
- Strong business acumen with a practical, solution-oriented approach to risk management.
- Ability to work autonomously, manage dynamic priorities under tight timelines, and demonstrate sound judgment under pressure.
- High ethical standards, personal integrity, and discretion in managing confidential information.
- Languages: Fluency in English. Bilingualism (English/French) is preferred and will be given priority given equal qualifications.
Why Join Air Canada Legal?
- High-Impact Work: Gain exposure to sophisticated, high-value international transactions directly from Montreal.
- Professional Growth: Work closely with seasoned legal leaders in a collaborative environment with diverse, non-monotonous mandates.
- Culture: Join a cohesive, highly respected legal team that acts as a true strategic partner to Canada’s flagship airline.
Working Conditions & Eligibility
- Location: Montreal, QC.
- Workflow: Dynamic in-house environment with variable pace based on operational and transactional needs.
- Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time an offer is made and provide proof of authorization prior to their start date.
Diversity & Inclusion
Air Canada is an equal opportunity employer strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to help us build a workforce reflective of the customers and communities we serve.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Air Canada
Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.