Legal Counsel

at  Valard Group of Companies

Valard, is Canada’s premier utility contractor, as well as head of the Valard Group of Companies AND part of the Quanta Group, the largest electrical power contractor in North America. Valard has full-service capabilities for transmission, distribution, substations, foundations, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
The Legal Counsel will be responsible for assisting with all legal matters impacting the Valard Group of Companies, including supporting contract negotiations, litigation, supply chain, construction projects, human resources and other corporate departments as well as developing corporate policies and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) or JD Degree
• Membership in a provincial law society
• Minimum 5 years of relevant corporate commercial law or litigation experience
• Construction law experience is an asset
• Major Construction Project support, Supply Chain support is an asset

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to analyze complex problems and consider multiple viewpoints
• Work well in a team environment
• Effective time and project management skills; able to evaluate information quickly, prioritize effectively and work well under pressure
• Pro-active approach to risk management and legal problem-solving
• Self-motivated with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated critical thinking, logical analysis and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on confidential matters and effectively prioritize tasks
• Self-managed; thrives working in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

• Provide practical legal advice regarding contractual terms to the Contract Managers and Administrators during the pre-bid stage.
• Advise Executive Management of the various companies regarding contractual risks.
• Engage in Contract Negotiations with Clients and support Contract Managers with vendor and supplier negotiations;
• Provide construction projects with support and advice on claims and issues;
• Provide legal training to the various business units and companies as required;
• Work directly with the internal human resources team on employment matters (i.e. employment contracts, employment policies, etc.)
• Provide legal advice to operations, functional and other personnel on a wide variety of legal matters associated with ongoing and planned business unit operations
• Prepare and draft various agreements
• Ensure day-to-day business activities and ongoing business strategies are carried out in a legal and ethical manner, and in compliance with all relevant organization policies, industry standards, applicable laws and regulations of government authorities having jurisdiction;
• Assist in the identification and management of risk for the organization and lead initiatives to mitigate such risk when possible;
• Run disputes resolution proceedings;
• Direct outside counsel on various corporate legal and litigation matters;
• Undertake and lead special projects as required;
• Communicate with the Executive Team and Business and Functional Unit Management on relevant matters as required;
• Promote communication and understanding of legal matters / expectations;
• Communicate, maintain and enforce organizational policies, procedures and standards necessary for the integrity of the organization, its assets, personnel and business operations.
• Other duties as assigned