Job Posting - Legal Counsel

Position: Legal Counsel
Term: Full-time
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reporting to: Associate General Counsel
 

The Organization: Waterfront Toronto

Waterfront Toronto was established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto in 2001 to oversee and lead the renewal of the city’s waterfront. Our mandate is to deliver a revitalized waterfront that brings together the most innovative approaches to sustainable urban development, excellence in urban design, real estate development, and leading technology infrastructure. Working with the community, and with public and private-sector partners, Waterfront Toronto creates neighbourhoods anchored by parks and public spaces, and diverse, sustainable, mixed-use communities that offer a high quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors alike. We are transforming the waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the people of Toronto, Ontario and Canada, to foster economic growth and to redefine how the city, province and country are perceived by the world. 
 

The Opportunity: Legal Counsel

Waterfront Toronto is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our Legal Department. Under the direction of the Associate General Counsel and General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will work closely with internal client groups on matters related to real estate, development, corporate, governance and Board-related matters, and other key projects and initiatives of the Corporation. 

In this role, the Legal Counsel will provide legal and strategic advice, lead negotiations with external parties, and prepare legal documentation for the Corporation on matters and transactions of varying complexity. This position also involves managing and instructing external counsel on medium to high complexity matters to ensure alignment with the Corporation’s objectives and legal standards.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide legal guidance on major real estate and infrastructure projects, including interpreting legal requirements and managing daily legal issues.
  • Draft and negotiate development agreements with various stakeholders, including public/private partners and the City of Toronto. 
    Oversee and manage external legal counsel efficiently.
  • Draft and negotiate agreements related to project delivery, such as access licenses, utility agreements, easements, and construction contracts.
  • Address legal issues under the Construction Act and provide advice on procurement and regulatory matters. 
    Support the General Counsel and Board activities, ensuring compliance with governance laws.
  • Provide legal advice on corporate issues such as privacy, IT, HR, insurance, FOI, and litigation.
  • Draft commercial agreements and ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulations.
  • Engage with government partners and support finance and communications teams.
  • Monitor legal developments relevant to the Corporation.
  • May also handle matters related to financing, fundraising, and intellectual property.
     

Skills and Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of legal experience in a law firm or in-house environment.
  • Strong background in real estate law such as property acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing and licensing, environmental, construction, and municipal law matters.
  • Experience in corporate, commercial, and policy legal matters.  
  • Law Degree from an accredited university and admission to the Bar of Ontario, with current membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
  • Commitment to continuing legal education to meet regulatory requirements and stay current with evolving legislation, common law, and industry trends.
  • Experience in governance matters is preferred.
     

Salary:

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package.

 

Other Considerations:

During this time, Waterfront Toronto is operating in a hybrid work environment. Employees are currently required to work in our office three days per week and have the option to work remotely for the remainder of the week. This is subject to change by the Corporation.
 

Application Process:

Candidates should email their resume and cover letter, together in one (1) PDF document to: careers@waterfrontoronto.ca, quoting File #25-18, by Friday, August 8, 2025.

Please indicate in your cover letter how you learned about the job posting and include the specific site or network.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
 

Note on Future Opportunities:

While we review applications for this role, we encourage all qualifying candidates to apply. Your application may be considered for future similar opportunities that become available. By submitting your application to us you agree that we may consider you for an upcoming similar opportunity and can reach out to you should the opportunity arise.

Waterfront Toronto is an equal opportunity employer, committed to representing the diversity of the city of Toronto on our team and fostering an inclusive workplace. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application, including, but not limited to, identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment. If you require accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) at any stage of the recruitment process, please advise and we will work with you to meet your needs, up to the point of undue hardship.