Legal Counsel, Innovate Calgary

Legal Counsel

CALGARY, ALBERTA

This 14‑month temporary, full‑time position reports to the General Counsel and supports Innovate Calgary’s departments with legal services, focusing on intellectual property, technology‑based commercial transactions, and support for start‑up companies.

Key Accountabilities

• Advise Innovate Calgary’s departments on a wide range of legal, operational, and strategic issues, with a focus on intellectual property, technology‑based commercial transactions, and investing in start‑up companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various types of commercial agreements for intellectual property and technology‑based transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate non‑disclosure agreements, service agreements, and statements of work.
• Draft and review documents for equity investments in start‑up companies.
• Develop and implement agreements for the launch and operation of various programs to support the growth of entrepreneurs and start‑up companies.
• Coordinate with external law firms for complex or specialized legal matters.

Personal Characteristics

The position requires excellent communication, judgment, decision‑making, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and monitor multiple competing deadlines and to work with a diverse constituency of higher education, clinical, government, and business personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

• LLB or JD and an active member, in good standing, of a Canadian law society.
• Minimum 2‑5 years of experience in private practice and/or in‑house.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts such as non‑disclosure agreements, service agreements, and statements of work.
• Knowledge of intellectual property and experience in reviewing and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating license and assignment agreements for intellectual property rights.
• Understanding of scientific and legal principles.
• Skilled in drafting and interpreting a wide range of legal agreements and other legal documents.
• High level of attention to detail.
• The ability to think originally and to be an innovative and creative problem solver while mitigating risks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to simplify complex legal matters for non‑legal teams.
• Industry experience is an asset.
• Experience in corporate finance and investment transactions is an asset.

What We Offer

• Salary: The budgeted salary range for this role is $115,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on our assessment of your experience and qualifications.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive, employer‑paid benefits including extended health, dental, disability, life insurance, a health spending account, and an employee and family assistance program.
• Retirement Savings: A competitive Group RRSP program with employer matching contributions of up to 5% in your first year, increasing to 8% after your first year.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, sick days, volunteering time, 12 recognized statutory holidays, plus our office closes annually from December 25 to January 1, providing additional paid time off without reducing your vacation balance.
• Mission‑Driven Work: Join a highly engaged and purpose‑driven team. You'll work alongside people who are passionate about supporting research, innovation, and entrepreneurs tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.