Paralegal - estate

Company Description

We’re RCL - Reitmans Canada Limited
. We’ve been part of the fabric of Canada’s fashion landscape since 1926, and today, we’re elevating our iconic brands – Reitmans, RW&CO, and PENN. Penningtons – more than ever before.

Our vision is to empower Canadians to live confidently, and our mission is to create collections of uncompromising style and quality for all.

With close to 400 stores nationwide and collections designed right here at home, in Canada, we offer an exceptional customer experience. What drives us? A clear vision, unwavering commitment to our customers, and the passion of our thousands of employees across the country.

As a key member of the Real Estate team, the Real Estate PAralegal oversees the preparation, negotiation, and management of all legal documentation related to the company’s leased real estate portfolio across Canada.

A subject matter expert in commercial lease documentation under both Quebec Civil Code and Canadian common law, this role ensures accuracy, enforce ability, consistency, and effective risk mitigation.

Reporting to the Director, Lease Documentation, this position plays a lead role in shaping leasing standards, driving strategic negotiations, and supporting cross-functional partners. RCL is committed to internal development: this position offers a structured career path toward a future leadership role.

• Lead drafting, negotiation, and finalization of lease related documents (agreements, offers, leases, amendments) across all Canadian provinces.
• Serve as the primary liaison with landlords, legal counsel, developers, brokers, and stakeholders to secure favorable lease terms.
• Proactively identify and mitigate legal and operational risks in lease agreements.
• Assess legal and commercial risk in lease transactions and provide practical recommendations to minimize exposure while supporting business goals.
• Interpret complex lease documents and deliver clear, actionable summaries to the Director and executives.
• Develop and maintain standardized legal language and precedents across jurisdictions.

• Define and maintain standardized clauses and legal precedents to protect company interests.
• Interpret complex lease provisions and provide strategic, actionable recommendations to executives and the Real Estate team.
• Provide strategic support to Legal Counsel, including document analysis and recommendations for legal opinions or dispute related matters.

• Partner with Real Estate, Legal, Finance, Store Planning, and Executive Leadership to ensure data accuracy, operational alignment and consistency with broader business strategy.
• Act as a key contributor to strategic real estate initiatives, including store openings, relocations, and renewals.
• Oversee registration of real estate instruments (Notices of Lease, Caveats) and ensure compliance.
• Review and process supplementary documents (Estoppel Certificates, Non Disturbance Agreements, lender requests).

• Paralegal Certificate or equivalent; additional training in real estate law preferred
• 10+ years in commercial lease documentation and negotiation (Quebec & common law)
• Strong understanding of retail real estate
• Expertise in Canadian commercial leasing principles and frameworks
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills; able to manage complex transactions independently
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative, proactive, and able to work under pressure
• Technologically proficient:
  Microsoft Office and Adobe tools
• Bilingual:
  English & French (written and spoken), essential for collaborating with partners across Canada.
• Remote work possible, with occasional in-office presence