Senior Legal Counsel, Bank Board Governance & Assistant Corporate Secretary

at  BMO Financial Group

100 King Street West Toronto Ontario,M5X 1A1
BMO’s Enterprise Board Governance team is responsible for the planning and execution of enterprise Board governance processes and related legal advice. The Senior Counsel, Enterprise Board Governance will play key role in ensuring that BMO’s high standards for corporate governance are met. The successful candidate will draw on their knowledge of the corporate governance requirements and best practices for public companies, be passionate about continuous improvement and be an expert and sensitive communicator. The role reports to the Associate General Counsel and Managing Director, Enterprise Board Governance and Assistant Corporate Secretary.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE:

• A leadership role in the planning and execution of the Annual General Meeting including preparation and delivery of the Bank’s Management Proxy Circular and handling shareholder proposals;
• Assist with corporate secretarial duties, including attending meetings, advising on agendas and materials and overseeing minutes;
• Advising on corporate and securities laws generally and best practices as they relate to corporate governance matters;
• Leading processes related to Board policies, Director independence and integrity and reporting;
• Oversight of various corporate and securities filings;
• Shareholder and Share Transfer Services, including responsibility for engaging with the Bank’s Transfer Agent;
• Coordinating engagement between the Board and the Bank’s regulators and responding to regulator requirements and inquiries;
• Interacting collaboratively with other members of the Enterprise Board Governance group to achieve the Bank’s corporate governance goals; and
• Acting in a leadership capacity with respect to junior colleagues, taking responsibility for their support and development

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum requirements are a degree in law (LLB or JD), with a minimum of 7 or more years of legal practice;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of corporate law, securities laws (as they relate to corporate governance) and related best practices;
• Experience in the corporate secretary function of a public company, and/or in a related advisory capacity in a major law firm; and
• Knowledge of the business and regulatory environment in which BMO Financial Group operates would be an asset.

SKILLS:

• Excellent relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to work both independently and in a team environment;
• Demonstrated confidence in dealings with BMO’s directors and Senior Executives;
• Proactively providing ideas, advice and solutions in connection with legal issues and corporate governance practices;
• Strong legal research and analytical skills to identify and understand corporate and regulatory requirements and then apply them the Bank’s corporate governance objectives;
• Sound judgment with the ability to manage ambiguity and make decisions; and
• Strong time management and organizational skills including being comfortable working well under pressure to meet a variety of deadlines, set priorities and have a strong attention to detail.
• This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 2 days a week in the Toronto office.

ABOUT US

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.
As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.
To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en
BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.
Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes

Please refer the Job description for details