Senior Legal Counsel

Some of what you will do:

Reporting to the VP and Deputy General Counsel, the Sr. Legal Counsel is a senior business partner and lead legal advisor responsible for independently managing complex, high-impact legal and regulatory matters. This role provides practical, strategic advice to senior leaders, leads cross-functional initiatives and negotiations, and proactively identifies and manages legal risk in support of Staples’ business objectives. The Sr. Legal Counsel will strengthen the Legal team’s capabilities through leadership, mentorship, knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement of legal processes and tools.

Specifically, You Will:

• Act as lead counsel on complex, high-impact and strategically significant legal and regulatory matters across the business including:

  • Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial agreements on behalf of the business teams.

  • Provide independent, practical and risk-based advice to senior leaders, including clear recommendations, escalation paths and decision support. 

  • Research on various legal issues, across all areas of law.

  • Identify emerging and enterprise-level legal risks, assess business impact and develop practical mitigation strategies with accountable business leaders. 

  • Real estate matters.

  • Interpretation of existing agreements and material issues which may arise.

  • Support in litigation management.

  • Support in Privacy matters, including proactive measures to manage privacy compliance and support in privacy initiatives and reviews.

  • Responding to regulatory inquiries and investigations.

  • Corporate law and governance.

  • Support merger and acquisition processes and requirements. 

• Partner directly with business stakeholders to facilitate efficient contract execution while protecting the Company's interests.

• Assist with internal investigations, policy development, and training programs.

• Lead and partner with various groups within the business on ad hoc projects and initiatives.

• Stay apprised of current legal trends and decisions, and make proactive recommendations for changes to Staples policies and practices.

• Supervise and mentor legal students and other temporary in-house legal resources.

• Manage and instruct external legal counsel on various business legal matters. 

• Provide training to company employees on important and emerging legal issues. 

Some of what you need:

• LL. B or JD degree. 

• Licensed to practice law in at least one province in Canada.

• French language an asset.

• Ability to synthesize complex legal and business issues into clear, practical and decision-oriented advice. 

• 5-8 years of legal expertise, including articling experience. 

• Strong corporate commercial background.

• In-house counsel expertise is an asset but not required.

• Experience in the retail sector an asset but not required.

Physical demands/working conditions:

• Office environment – Hybrid, with 4 days onsite in Richmond Hill, subject to the hybrid policy.

Some of what you will get:

• Associate discount

• Health and Dental benefits

• RRSP/DPSP

• Performance bonuses

• Learning & Development programs

• And more...