Senior Counsel, Commercial Banking

The Core Responsibilities!

• Provide legal analysis and transactional support, including the review, preparation and negotiation of agreements and documentation, and providing advice on complex issues with an emphasis on commercial real estate and secured lending
• Working closely with the Bank’s Originations, Credit and Underwriting, Portfolio Management and Special Loans (Defaults) teams, provide advice on deal structuring, intercreditor arrangements, taking effective security, and ensuring the Bank’s interests are protected
• Provide timely and accurate responses to questions from internal stakeholders and business partners to facilitate transactions within predetermined timeframes
• Assist with internal governance, policy development, and training initiatives to promote legal awareness, risk mitigation and a culture of compliance
• Support new product development and strategic initiatives by identifying legal implications and ensuring compliance with applicable laws
• Research substantial legal issues and federal and provincial legislation to evaluate implications for the Bank, and undertake special projects as required
• Proactively identify emerging issues and legal trends, and evaluate the legal risks to the Bank for escalation to management as necessary
• Maintain proximity to applicable industry and market trends in Canadian finance, commercial real estate and project development, and participate in industry groups
• Work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment on complex, confidential and sensitive decisions
• Contribute to the development of precedents, commercial templates, playbooks and best practices for business initiatives to streamline internal processes and minimize reliance on external counsel
• Direct and oversee external counsel to ensure cost-effectiveness and high-quality service

Let's Talk About You!

• Graduate of a recognized law school (L.L.B. or J.D.)
• Called to the Ontario Bar/Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• 4-6 years of post-call experience in private practice or in-house, preferably in a financial institution with a focus on commercial banking or financial services
• Strong knowledge of Canadian banking laws, lending practices, and regulatory frameworks
• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial real estate law and real estate financing. Experience with CMHC insured loan transactions would be an asset
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strategic thinker, collaborative and proactive mindset, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with insolvency law and proceedings would be an asset…