Legal Counsel; Term

Reporting to the Director, Legal Affairs & Senior Legal Counsel, the Legal Counsel functions as part of a collegial team and provides strategic and business focused legal analysis and advice to Payments Canada relating to its statutory mandate, legal and regulatory framework (including the development and interpretation of Payments Canada’s enabling legislation, by-laws and rules), strategic goals, and general business affairs.

As a trusted team player and peer mentor, the Legal Counsel readily shares their specialized knowledge and works to develop both their own expertise and skills and those of others.

• Support Payments Canada in its business operations and in achieving its strategic plan by proactively advising on a wide range of legal risks and issues, responding to internal and external legal inquiries, providing legal support on projects, and giving both strategic and operational legal advice on matters such as:
  • the Canadian Payments Act, and Payments Canada’s by-laws, rules, and standards;
  • Banking and payments law;
  • Governance, regulatory oversight, and regulatory practices and requirements;
  • General corporate and commercial law;
  • Intellectual property; and
  • Information technology, Fintech, and emerging policy and legal issues.
• Seek out opportunities and establish methods to share knowledge with legal and business partner colleagues to promote collaboration and the transfer of knowledge.
• Participate in Legal team planning to help foster an environment of continuous improvement in the provision of efficient and effective legal support to Payments Canada.
• Seek out, promote, and implement process and practice management improvements on an ongoing basis.
• Protect Payments Canada’s solicitor-client privilege and treat all matters involving the provision of legal advice in strictest confidence, as required by the duties of confidentiality and loyalty set out in the rules of professional conduct applicable to practicing lawyers.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to colleagues across Payments Canada with respect to specific subject matter expertise.

• The incumbent should expect to spend a minimum of 5-10 days annually on professional development in fulfillment of Law Society CPD requirements, and to maintain the skills required in the performance of the duties associated with this position.
• Develop and maintain legal skills and expertise by seeking out peer learning opportunities and attending continuing legal education offerings tailored to develop professional and subject matter expertise.

• Excellent legal research and drafting skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to identify risks and potential solutions when providing legal advice
• Business acumen with an ability to balance legal risks and business objectives, influence business leaders, and deal effectively with conflict
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to produce high-quality work
• Ability to devise innovative approaches to problems
• Ability to provide concise guidance and advice

• Critical reasoning and analytical thinking
• Displays of social and self-awareness
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Develops and apply innovative solutions as appropriate
• Ability to quickly establish and maintain credibility and respect among colleagues and peers within and beyond Payments Canada
• Exercises a high degree of initiative and flexibility
• Recognizes the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and skills development for self, and provides support to others via mentorship and knowledge sharing
• Ac…