VP General Counsel

Job Description

Lead the development and execution of legal strategies, including oversight of high-value and high-risk commercial transactions.

Provide legal oversight on complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, financings, and development projects.

Draft, negotiate, and/or review a wide range of agreements including purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, development agreements, property management contracts, service agreements, vendor agreements and NDAs.

Partner with internal stakeholders to develop effective negotiation strategies that align with corporate objectives and legal requirements.

Ensure all business activities comply with applicable laws, corporate standards, and codes of conduct.

Review internal and external communications to identify legal or business risks and provide guidance on mitigation.

Provide oversight of corporate and securities compliance and corporate governance activities, including support for board and committee meetings, unitholder matters and public filings.

Lead equity and debt finance issuances.

Provide risk-related reporting to senior leadership and the Board.

Collaborate with the Tax team and external counsel on corporate structuring opportunities and legal requirements.

Corporate & Commercial Leadership

Lead the development and execution of legal strategies, including oversight of high-value and high-risk commercial transactions.

Provide legal oversight on complex commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, financings, and development projects.

Draft, negotiate, and/or review a wide range of agreements including purchase and sale agreements, lease agreements, development agreements, property management contracts, service agreements, vendor agreements and NDAs.

Partner with internal stakeholders to develop effective negotiation strategies that align with corporate objectives and legal requirements.

Risk Management & Governance

Ensure all business activities comply with applicable laws, corporate standards, and codes of conduct.

Review internal and external communications to identify legal or business risks and provide guidance on mitigation.

Provide oversight of corporate and securities compliance and corporate governance activities, including support for board and committee meetings, unitholder matters and public filings.

Lead equity and debt finance issuances.

Provide risk-related reporting to senior leadership and the Board.

Collaborate with the Tax team and external counsel on corporate structuring opportunities and legal requirements.

Employment & Labour Relations

Partner with stakeholders for employment-related strategy development.

Provide legal support on employment law, privacy and risk management issues as needed.

Litigation & Case Management

Provide support to operations teams on a wide variety of legal matters that arise related to the operation of seniors housing in multiple jurisdictions.

Manage or oversee litigation matters, including insured and uninsured litigation. Provide oversight to the insurance renewal process and other insurance related matters.

Provide legal guidance on resident, tenant, and family-related matters.

Develop strategies to manage and minimize legal costs while maintaining effective external legal partnerships.

Regulatory Compliance & Policy

Collaborate with internal teams and external counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies related to real estate and operations.

Provide leadership on privacy legislation and data protection matters for residents and employees.

Oversee records management and retention practices in compliance with legislative requirements.

Monitor legal and regulatory developments, advising leadership on impacts and required actions.

Review and ensure organizational policies and procedures remain legally compliant.

Develop and deliver legal education and training programs to support compliance and risk awareness.

People & Department Leadership

Lead, develop, and engage the Legal team through effective recruitment, performance management, coaching, and recognition.

Manage departmental operations, budgets, and financial planning to support organizational priorities.

Qualifications
Education

LL.B. or equivalent degree from a Canadian Bar Association–accredited law school.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of legal experience in private practice and/or in-house counsel roles.

Member in good standing of the Ontario Bar or another Canadian provincial bar.

Skills & Abilities

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex issues and provide clear legal opinions.

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and external stakeholders.

Advanced negotiation, drafting, and contract management expertise.

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute legal strategies aligned with business objectives.

Sound judgment and strong risk-assessment capabilities.

Ability to propose…