The Senior Legal Counsel supports their assigned project teams by offering strategic advice on contract interpretation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. It involves drafting and negotiating subcontract agreements, managing claims related to delays and insurance, and identifying emerging legal issues like tariffs. The position requires collaboration with procurement, subcontract management, and legal teams, while also preparing documentation for executive leadership.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Contract Manager of their assigned project and functionally to the NGE In-House Counsel. They will be responsible for, but are not limited to, the following activities:

1. Application of the Group's Quality, Safety, and Environmental policies:

• 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.

2. Providing Legal Support in Contract Management and Performance of Works Contracts:

• Provide solution-oriented, practical, creative, and strategic advice to the project team regarding various legal matters, including project execution, contract interpretation, and regulatory compliance.


• In coordination with the procurement team and the subcontract management team, draft updates to subcontract template agreements and negotiate subcontracts and other related documents with vendors.

3. Advising and Assisting Internal Clients on General Legal and Contractual Issues

• Assist in the prevention, mitigation, and resolution of claims and other disputes of varying complexity, including those relating to delays, changes, and insurance and surety bond matters.


• Identify and advise the project team on developing legal issues impacting the project (e.g., tariffs).


• Prepare and present documentation and resolutions regarding corporate legal matters to the joint venture executive leadership team.


• Provide and coordinate training for project team on relevant legal topics.

4.      Team Player, Contributing to Effectiveness and a Positive Work Environment:

• Build strong partnerships and liaise with Contract Manager, in-house counsel, external counsel, consultants, and other key stakeholders.


• 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.

For this position, the ideal candidate should have the following skills, experience and knowledge:

Essential:

• 8+ years active post-call experience practicing law


• Member in good standing (or eligible for immediate membership) with the Law Society of Ontario


• Direct experience supporting major infrastructure or construction projects


• Well versed in the MS Office suite

Desirable: 

• Work experience in the construction/railway industry


• Superior oral and written communication skills


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Able to work efficiently under pressure and manage competing deadlines


• Bilingual English and French is an asset

When you join NGE, you'll be joining an independent group:

• Innovative, responsible and supportive


• Promoting the human dimension


• Enabling real career development (more than 50 professions to explore)


• Committed to diversity and inclusion