Legal Counsel

Role Summary

As Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in building solid and thorough legal support in Western Canada to ensure the sustainable growth of Colas Western Canada Inc. and its various operating divisions and subsidiaries (the "Colas West Companies").

The Colas West Companies have operations across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories and Yukon, and are engaged in infrastructure, road construction and road maintenance projects across Western Canada for both public and private customers. The Colas West Companies are vertically integrated from aggregate mining to material production to delivering paving and infrastructure construction projects.
In this role, you will support the Colas West Companies and their Head of Legal with a variety of topics ranging from contract analysis and drafting, M&A, real estate (leasing, licensing, sales and acquisitions), insurance, claims and litigation (including collections and builders' lien matters) and labour and employment. 

The ideal candidate has a background in construction law or commercial litigation, and is experienced in dealing with construction contracts and claims matters. We are seeking a candidate with construction law experience, but who is also eager to develop their skills in a wide range of topics relevant to a large contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, analysis and drafting of construction and related contracts
• Collections matters (demand letters, lawsuits and enforcement activities)
• Builders' lien matters (filing, enforcement and advice)
• Construction bond matters (claims and advice)
• Construction claims (delay, cost escalation, unanticipated conditions etc)
• Insurance (coverage analysis and portfolio management)
• Reviewing and updating the templates of commercial agreements with a focus on bettering and ensuring consistency across the Western region
• Compliance analysis and implementation
• Real estate matters (leases, licenses, royalty agreements, sales and acquisitions)
• M&A (sale or acquisition of assets)
• Regulatory matters (licensing, corporate records, security clearances etc)
• Employment law matters in both Union and non-Union setting
• Travelling is minimal but some travel may be expected

Skills / Qualifications

• Law degree and license to practice law in Alberta
• Four (4) to seven (7) years of experience in a law firm and/or in-house
• Significant experience with construction law matters (litigation, contracts, liens, bonds and claims)
• Strong knowledge of litigation and court process, including enforcement procedures and mechanisms following judgment
• Knowledge of insurance law, labour and employment law and workers' compensation law a strong asset
• Experience and familiarity with construction terminology, schedules and drawings etc. is considered a strong asset
• Experience with legal research and analysis of applicable laws
• Strong organization skills with ability to manage competing priorities and meet business deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to provide hands-on legal support to various stakeholders

What you Bring

• Collaborative approach with multiple stakeholders
• A sustained interest and dedication in understanding the business
• A willingness to grow with the role, the legal group and the organization
• Ability to adapt to change and be a key player in change management
• Ability to engage at a granular level on matters requiring long-term focus
• Results orientated, ability to contribute to a team environment and respond quickly to business needs and demands
• Ability to find simple, workable solutions to complex problems
• Curious and daring to help and support
• Patience and perseverance to work through complexity
• Bilingual French/English, considered an asset