Job Description
Position: In-House Legal Counsel
Division: Aquilini Investment Group/Aquilini Group Holdings
Department: Legal
Reports to: Vice President, Legal & General Counsel
Working with the VP, Legal & General Counsel, the In-House Legal Counsel is responsible for assisting in the proactive, efficient and effective delivery of a comprehensive range of legal services and strategic business advice to Aquilini Investment Group (“AIG”) and its wide array of subsidiaries and related entities. The incumbent will be engaged in a variety of legal matters with an emphasis on commercial and construction litigation, employment matters, real estate transactions, commercial leasing, corporate and commercial matters and, regulatory and municipal compliance matters.
DUTIES AND RESPONIBILITIES:
(other duties may be assigned as required)
- Provide legal, practical and strategic business advice, as requested, to the appropriate stakeholders at AIG
- Act as a business partner, providing legal orientation and back-office support to different business processes and negotiations
- Draft and review legal documents and a wide variety of contracts
- Research and respond to general legal inquiries from AIG that may relate to disputes and litigation, regulatory issues, employment and privacy matters
- Provide support in the management and resolution of disputes and litigation matters
- Represent AIG and its affiliates in proceedings before all levels of court in British Columbia, as well as administrative tribunals and regulatory bodies, including the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Residential Tenancy Branch, WorkSafe BC, Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal and British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal.
- Deal with matters from intake to close, including taking initial instructions, drafting of documentation, conducting examinations for discovery, dealing with all correspondence, and proactively moving matters forward
- Assist with drafting pleadings for employment and contractual disputes
- Assist with negotiating, drafting and administering real estate and corporate transaction documents as well as a broad range of service, employment and other general commercial agreements
- Operate and maintain a trust account for conveyancing in accordance with the rules of the Law Society of British Columbia. Liaise with external counsel providing legal advice to the organization
- Assess, identify and mitigate legal issues and risks of business activities
- Prepare and maintain litigation summaries for AIG and its affiliates.
- Assist with files and matters of varying complexity
- Keep up-to-date on developing changes to legislation, regulations and relevant legal news to advise AIG
- Take responsibility for own personal and professional development, with support from AIG
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent)
- Admission to the B.C. bar and in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
- 3-6 years of demonstrable post-call experience as a general practitioner
- Experience appearing before British Columbia courts and tribunals
- Strong analytical abilities and research skills
- Strong business acumen with verbal, negotiation, interpersonal and drafting skills
- High level of composure, with the ability to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, tact and courtesy, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain strict confidentiality
- Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills and an established record of providing proactive, business friendly advice
- Highly motivated and independent self-starter; comfortable learning new legal areas and skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Working knowledge of CanLii, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Ability to run an organized caseload from beginning to end, with minimal supervision
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to receive and implement feedback from General Counsel
- Excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
