Senior Legal Counsel (Calgary)

Urban Legal Recruitment is pleased to be conducting an exclusive search on behalf of Avmax in the recruitment of Senior Legal Counsel to join its Calgary-based legal team.

Avmax is a well-established and internationally recognized aviation organization offering a comprehensive range of aviation products and services. With operations, facilities, and business activities across the globe, Avmax has built a strong reputation within the aviation industry and provides a truly international platform for its legal team.

Reporting directly to the General Counsel, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting Avmax's commercial and transactional activities, primarily focusing on complex asset acquisition and disposition transactions, leasing arrangements, financing matters, and cross‑border commercial agreements. This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially‑minded lawyer seeking exposure to sophisticated domestic and international transactions while serving as a trusted strategic advisor to the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex commercial and transactional matters from initial structuring through closing and post‑closing implementation.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, leasing arrangements, financing documents, assignments, novations, and related ancillary documentation.
• Provide strategic legal advice to business and finance teams regarding transaction structures, risk mitigation, and commercial objectives.
• Manage multiple concurrent transactions across various jurisdictions while ensuring efficient execution and successful completion.
• Coordinate with external counsel and advisors in Canada and internationally on cross‑border transactions and jurisdiction‑specific legal matters.
• Advise on regulatory, compliance, tax, and risk‑related considerations associated with international commercial transactions.
• Support interactions with regulatory authorities and assist with compliance requirements relating to registrations, licensing, and operational matters.
• Develop and maintain precedent agreements, transaction templates, and internal processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and commercial risks while providing practical, business‑focused solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including KYC, sanctions, and related due diligence obligations.
• Support the organization in managing disputes and legal proceedings arising from commercial or transactional matters.
• Ensure the organization's operations remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to legal support staff and assist with workflow management within the legal department.
• Retain and manage external legal counsel and advisors as required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, counterparties, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and external advisors.

Qualifications

• LL.B. or J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta (or eligibility for admission).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience practicing corporate, commercial, or transactional law.
• Significant experience leading sophisticated purchase and sale, leasing, financing, or other complex commercial transactions.
• Strong commercial acumen with exceptional negotiation, drafting, and contract management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and manage high‑value transactions.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, planning, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Canadian passport and willingness to travel occasionally, as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in aviation, transportation, infrastructure, equipment leasing, asset‑based financing, or similar industries.
• Significant experience managing purchase and sale transactions, leasing arrangements, financing transactions, or structured commercial transactions.
• Experience managing international transactions and coordinating with foreign counsel across multiple jurisdictions.
• Experience with leasing, financing, structured transactions, or other complex commercial arrangements.
• Familiarity with emerging legal technologies and AI‑assisted legal tools is considered an asset.

Highlights

• Competitive base salary
• RRSP program
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Health Care Spending Account
• Personal days
• Hybrid work environment (one work‑from‑home day per week)
• Employer‑paid parking
• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Qualified growth and development incentives
• Opportunity for advancement

Location Requirement

Only candidates already residing in Calgary or those with a demonstrated commitment to relocating to Calgary will be considered.

Avmax offers an excellent compensation and benefits package together with a supportive and collaborative culture.