In-House Counsel in Markham, Ontario at JD Development Group

Position Summary
The In-House Counsel leads the company's in-house legal function across its construction and real estate development operations. This role provides strategic legal guidance, owns risk and compliance, manages complex contracts and disputes, and supervises the Law Clerk. The In-House Counsel sets direction and exercises the legal judgment the role requires, while delegating documentation, coordination, and administrative execution to the Law Clerk.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to executive leadership and operational teams on construction, real estate, commercial, and corporate matters.
• Negotiate and approve high-value and complex agreements, including prime contracts, subcontractor and consultant agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and leases.
• Advise on Ontario's Construction Act, including liens, holdbacks, prompt payment, and adjudication.
• Own legal risk assessment and mitigation across projects and corporate operations.
• Oversee litigation, arbitration, mediation, and adjudication, and manage relationships with external counsel and external legal spending.
• Ensure regulatory and statutory compliance and approve corporate policies and legal templates.
• Supervise, mentor, and review the work of the Law Clerk, setting priorities and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• 4–9 years of legal experience, preferably in construction, real estate, or commercial law.
• Strong working knowledge of Ontario's Construction Act.
• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and risk-management skills.
• Proven ability to lead, delegate, and develop staff.

Compensation
$125-170K annually