Commercial Services Counsel

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Business Law Services, the Commercial Services Counsel will work closely with Toronto Hydro’s Facilities, Capital Projects and Priority Transit teams, amongst others, serving as a key departmental contact for real property and construction-related legal matters. The Commercial Services Counsel will assist in drafting and negotiating real property and construction agreements and will advise on issues relating to the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, the Public Service Works on Highways Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.49, the Electricity Act, S.O. 1998, c.15, Sched. A and the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 12. Additionally, the incumbent will provide legal opinions, prepare legal responses and documentation for client groups and advise on commercial transactions, including the negotiation of commercial agreements.

The incumbent is expected to behave ethically and follow the established code of business conduct, policies and internal control procedures, laws and regulations governing Toronto Hydro.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and render interpretations of statutes, regulations and case law focused on real property and construction.
• Draft, review, assess, and negotiate contracts and a wide variety of real property, construction and other commercial documents involving Toronto Hydro (e.g. Request for Proposals, construction contracts, easements, licenses, property access agreements).
• Complete commercial transactions relating to various subject matters, including real property and construction.
• Deliver practical and accurate legal opinions, interpretations, and advice on legal matters to client groups at Toronto Hydro. Legal review involves evaluating situations, interpreting facts, precedents, applying the law and business acumen, and creating a precise analysis and recommendation.
• Participate in legal analysis of policies and their development.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized Law School.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• One (1) or more years of experience drafting and negotiating legal contracts (real property and/or construction-related experience would be a benefit)
• Preference will be given to candidates who successfully demonstrate their experience in the area of Real Property and/or Construction Law. However, strong commercial experience combined with an interest in these legal fields will also be considered an asset.
• Experience working with clients and other parties in complicated and highly sensitive matters.
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Effective analytical and communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Negotiation skills and the ability to influence others.
• Proven track record in developing and managing internal and external stakeholder relationships.

Toronto Hydro has introduced a Hybrid Work Arrangement. This position allows for remote work up to three days per week, based on business needs. Employees will be required to come onsite on those days when they are involved in activities that they or their leader feel are better conducted in person. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office. #LI-Hybrid

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