In-House Legal Counsel – Corporate Banking

Thorek/Scott and Partners (TSP) has been connecting accomplished organizations with talented individuals for almost four decades. At TSP, our track record of successfully completing challenging searches across the professional spectrum has earned us an exceptional reputation at the forefront of the recruitment industry. Our Canadian and International clients include: global banks and non-bank financial institutions, private equity and investment funds, professional service firms, and entrepreneurial businesses in a variety of industries. We value the human connection and distinguish ourselves through an unwavering dedication to understanding the goals and motivations of our clients and candidates alike.

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Our Client

Our client is the Canadian Branch of a full-stack global bank. The group has more than 130 offices spread across 40 countries worldwide. The North American division offers commercial and investment banking services to its corporate and institutional clients. We have partnered with the bank to work on a net new In-House Legal Counsel position.

Position Overview

The In-House Legal Counsel is a senior position responsible for accomplishing results through the provision of strategic and pragmatic legal advice. The overall objective of this role is to provide legal support, advice, and guidance across a broad range of Banking practice areas, with particular emphasis on commercial loan transactions, Bank Act, and PCMLTFR compliance related matters.

The Legal Counsel is responsible for advising the management of the Branch to manage all activities related to (1) Canadian procurement contracts: (2) Commercial loan transactions including bi- lateral and syndication deals; (3) Corporate Compliance and Regulatory Changes with respect to Bank Act, OSFI guidelines, PCMLTFR, Privacy laws, etc.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to the Canadian Banking team, on a broad range of franchise-related matters and transactions including syndicate loans, derivatives and structured finance deals
• Provide Canadian specific advice to the group’s affiliates in relation to Corporate Banking transactions, regulatory issues / changes and regional projects
• Provide advice on corporate governance matters in relation to multiple entities.
• Prepares, communicates, and educates internal client groups on changes in policies, rules and proposed rules and practices within the organization as it pertains to the Canadian Branch
• Work closely with the Branch Compliance Management, internal Legal colleagues and establish strong working relationships throughout the organization. Represent the Canadian Branch on industry working groups
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the bank's reputation and safeguarding the bank, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.
• Provide sound, creative and practical advice and regulatory and reputational risk analysis to the corporate banking business and functional groups
• Manage implementation of new regulations reflecting increased regulatory oversight from local and international regulatory bodies that affect supported businesses
• Provide specialized knowledge and support for review of New Business Committee matters.
• Ensure that decisions reflect appropriate consideration and resolution of legal and regulatory issues
• The incumbent could be assigned to ad hoc legal & regulatory projects related to the Canadian Branch

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized law school
• Called to the Bar of Ontario, in good standing to practice law in Canada
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in a leading Canadian law firm, or as in-house counsel for another large financial institution under Canadian regulation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating agreements with exposure to broader commercial procurement matters
• Knowledge and experience in the operations of a global FI – such as a global bank or asset manager.

Please note that at present, legal eligibility to work in Canada is a prerequisite for this role.

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We appreciate your interest in this role.

In sharing your resume, you place your trust in us to treat you with integrity and respect and act in your best interests. All resumes will be held in the strictest of confidence. Those who most closely meet our client’s requirements will be contacted for an interview.

Please pass this opportunity forward. We welcome all referrals should someone in your network benefit from this opportunity.