Legal Counsel

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Reports to: General Counsel

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled

The Opportunity

Reporting to General Counsel, the Legal Counsel, will assist the Legal Department of the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) by providing support in all areas of law with a particular emphasis on commercial real estate and contracts as well as regulatory compliance and litigation support. Leading and supporting sensitive and privileged legal matters, the Legal Counsel will play a critical role in ensuring the successful functioning of the legal team within WAA. Working closely with leaders across the organization, this position provides practical legal advice, supports strategic initiatives, manages legal risk, and contributes to the development and implementation of effective legal and compliance practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and provide legal advice on a wide variety of commercial real estate agreements, including lease agreements and development-related matters
• Provide strategic legal guidance to business units on real estate transactions, property development, and land use matters
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and legal correspondence supporting airport operations and corporate initiatives
• Provide legal advice on operational, commercial, and business matters across the organization
• Support the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations, policies, and compliance requirements affecting airport authorities
• Assist with the development, review, and maintenance of organizational policies, procedures, and governance documents
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and provide guidance on compliance obligations
• Assist with claims, disputes, litigation matters, and investigations, including coordinating with external legal counsel where required
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions, briefs, affidavits, and other supporting documentation
• Support the General Counsel in managing legal resources and external legal service providers
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and other legal department activities as assigned

Selection Criteria include:

• Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a recognized institution
• Member in good standing or eligible for membership with the Law Society of Manitoba
• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience practicing commercial law with an emphasis on commercial real estate or a combination of demonstrated comparable experience
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Strong understanding of commercial leasing and complex real estate transactions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound professional judgment and maintaining confidentiality
• Experience providing legal advice in a corporate, commercial, or public-sector environment considered an asset
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management principles considered an asset
• Experience supporting litigation matters and working with external legal counsel considered an asset
• Experience in aviation, infrastructure, real estate development, or a regulated industry would be considered an asset

Work with us!

• Highly competitive salary
• Full Benefits package of Health, Dental & Vision
• DC Pension Plan
• Healthcare Spending Account to use on additional benefit expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account to use on Wellness expenses such as health and fitness
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supported Training & Development opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a high-functioning team of professionals working on a diversified portfolio
• Proud to be named one of Manitoba’s Top Employers annually since 2011