About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Commercial Legal Counsel based in Canada to join our legal team. This role is responsible for providing practical legal support across the business, with a primary focus on commercial contracts, legal risk management, and regulatory compliance.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in commercial and contract law, coupled with experience advising business stakeholders on legal matters. Experience with data privacy legislation, including POPIA, GDPR, PIPEDA, and applicable US federal and state privacy regulations, is highly desirable. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded legal professional who enjoys partnering with the business while helping strengthen its compliance framework.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Contracts- Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
- Customer and vendor agreements
- Supplier contracts
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Licensing agreements
- Partnership and joint venture agreements
- Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, renewals, amendments, and terminations.
- Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and standard legal documentation to improve efficiency and consistency.
Legal Advisory & Risk Management- Provide practical, business-focused legal advice to cross-functional teams, including Sales, Procurement, Finance, Product, and Operations.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and commercial risks associated with contractual arrangements.
- Support business initiatives by embedding legal considerations into operational processes and strategic decisions.
- Liaise with external counsel where specialist legal advice is required.
Compliance & Data Privacy- Advise on data privacy and protection matters, including compliance with POPIA, GDPR, PIPEDA, and applicable US federal and state privacy regulations.
- Review and draft data processing agreements, privacy policies, and related documentation.
- Support broader regulatory compliance initiatives and assist with implementing compliance frameworks.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments, identifying emerging risks and recommending appropriate actions.
Qualifications & ExperienceRequired- Law degree or equivalent legal qualification.
- Qualified and in good standing as a lawyer, solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal professional in Canada or the United Kingdom.
- 4-6 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in commercial and contract law, gained in private practice, in-house, or a combination of both.
- Strong knowledge of commercial and contract law in Canada and/or the United Kingdom, with the ability to support cross-border matters.
- Practical experience advising on POPIA, GDPR, PIPEDA, and applicable US federal and state privacy regulations.
- Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Extensive practical experience using AI tools responsibly to support legal operations, improve processes, and streamline workflows.
Preferred- Previous in-house legal experience.
- Experience supporting cross-border commercial transactions.
- Exposure to the technology, telecommunications, or financial services sectors.
- Experience using Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems.
- Additional certification or formal training in data privacy or data protection law.
Key Competencies- Commercial acumen and sound legal judgment
- Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Stakeholder management and relationship building
- Attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Excellent planning, prioritisation, and time-management skills
- Ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a practical, business-friendly manner
- Collaborative approach with the confidence to work autonomously
The base salary range for this full-time position is [CAD $135, 000 - $145, 000], with eligibility for additional variable compensation. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and location.
Department Legal Role Commercial Attorney Locations Toronto Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time
