In-House Counsel

Merit Ontario

is a construction association supporting small to large construction companies with workforce needs across Ontario. Our talent specialists provide recruitment services and customized solutions to find quality candidates.

In-House Counsel

position in

Toronto, ON .

Title In-House Counsel

Job Type Full-time

Salary $150,000-$200,000/yr

Job Description The In-House Counsel provides advice and assistance on contractual and legal issues during the preparation of commercial bids, tenders, and proposals, contract negotiations, contract management and performance, and dispute resolution. With recognized legal expertise and experience, the In-House Counsel independently handles complex and multi-domain cases. Diligent and possessing strong interpersonal skills, the In-House Counsel expertly analyzes contractual and financial risks within their scope and proposes appropriate solutions and mitigations.

Application Of The Group's Quality, Safety, And Environmental Policies The In-House Counsel reports directly to the Country Managing Director and functionally to the Group's international Legal department. They are responsible for, but are not limited to, the following activities:

Adheres to general safety guidelines (responsible driving, evacuation protocols, wearing PPE on-site, etc.).

Promotes a preventive approach and is attentive to the health and safety of individuals, alerting if necessary.

Complies with procedures related to their activity and actively participates in continuous improvement.

Adheres to environmental protection guidelines, demonstrating appropriate environmental behavior and reporting issues when necessary.

Providing Legal Support in Bids and Tenders

Upholds ethical values at all times.

Analyzes contract risks and suggests mitigation strategies.

Actively participates in presentations to legal and operational directors regarding legal and contractual risks and mitigation strategies.

Actively participates in negotiating and drafting all kinds of contracts (collaboration agreements, memoranda of understanding, works contracts, subcontracting agreements, joint venture and consortium agreements, alliance contracts...).

Coordinates contacts with law firms regarding their specific support and assistance.

Conducts legal research and drafts consultations on encountered issues.

Collaborates with other members of the Group's legal department on specialized matters (insurance, corporate law, leases, etc.).

Acts as the internal reference for all legal inquiries within their scope.

Providing Legal Support in Contract Management and Performance of Works Contracts

Upholds ethical values at all times.

Provides support to contract management teams.

Interacts with Internal Clients, partners and subcontractors regarding contract management strategy and its implementation.

Participates in drafting contracts, contractual correspondence, negotiations, acts, amendments, and claims.

Conducts legal research and drafts consultations on encountered issues.

Collaborates with the headquarters' legal department on specialized matters (corporate law, leases, etc.).

Acts as the internal reference for all legal inquiries within their scope.

Negotiate, implement and manage insurances for the subsidiary.

Advising and Assisting Internal Clients on General Legal and Contractual Issues

Analyzes documents related to cases (responses to tenders, consultations, disputes), gathers additional information, and consolidates collected data.

Ensures continuous legal monitoring of regulatory developments in the Canadian legal framework.

Legally qualifies cases and situations.

Works with internal clients to define the strategies and action plans.

Evaluates stakes, risks, and opportunities.

Participates in the creation of contract templates and the improvement of existing templates.

Enriches the knowledge management document base.

Designs and conducts legal briefings and trainings on contract management and other legal issues.

Handling Claims, Disputes and Litigation Cases

Analyzes claims, disputes and litigation cases, and develops legal arguments, with the support of the contract management team, partners, and law firms.

Prepares files for conciliation, mediation, amicable settlements, litigations, and arbitrations.

Proposes the appointment of lawyers and other external advisors for claims and disputes.

Contributes to the drafting and validation of submissions, statements, and settlement agreements.

Participates in all stages of file processing (expertise or negotiation meetings, etc.) and reporting, ensuring clarity for non-legal professionals.

Monitoring and Administrative Management of Cases

Registers and updates case information (pre-litigation, claims, complaints, disputes, etc.) in accordance with the Group's requirements.

Maintains accurate and reliable case tracking (monthly simplified information sheets, dashboards updates).

Regularly communicates with internal clients and superiors regarding case progress and scope-related issues.

Raises alerts promptly when identified risks or challenges arise.

Team Player, Contributing to Effectiveness and a Positive Work Environment

Liaises with the International Legal team based in our HQ in France.

Adheres to company rules and work procedures, demonstrating teamwork and unity.

Organizes activities independently to deliver quality work within deadlines.

Contributes to a positive work environment, displaying transparency in all situations.

Recognized as an expert in their role.

Ensures the continuous improvement of their skills.

Has strong interpersonal skills, is able to lead negotiations in a constructive manner and adapt to the specificities of a multicultural working environment.

Ideal Candidate Skills, Experience, and Knowledge

Bachelor of Laws (Juris Doctor) from a Canadian university; double degree in common law and civil law.

Canadian qualified lawyer.

Approximately 5-8 years of previous experience in corporate, public procurement contracts and/or contract law, either in a law firm or as an in-house counsel.

Autonomy, rigor, integrity, discretion, flexibility, and availability.

Bilingual in English and French.

Work experience in infrastructure law and/or private and public tenders is a plus.

Disclaimer:

Although Merit Ontario employs artificial intelligence enabled tools to conduct initial application screening based on job‑related criteria, decisions about who progresses in the hiring process are always made by people. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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