Legal Counsel (IT) - LCBO, Toronto

AI Summary

This onsite Legal Counsel / Senior Counsel (IT) role at LCBO in Toronto, Ontario, involves providing strategic legal advice to the IT division. Key duties include drafting and negotiating various commercial agreements, alongside advising on data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI matters. Top requirements include a legal degree, membership in the Law Society of Ontario, and at least four years of post-call experience with significant commercial IT exposure.

About the Role

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the LCBO's IT division by providing comprehensive legal guidance. This involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, such as master services agreements, software licence and support agreements, and software-as-a-service agreements. The position also entails providing expert advice on critical matters related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, ensuring the LCBO's operations remain compliant and secure. Furthermore, the Legal Counsel will collaborate closely with LCBO’s business units and the indirect procurement team, offering legal support for procurement processes, including reviewing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for quotes (RFQs). This includes managing contractual interpretation, addressing supplier disputes, and developing robust legal risk mitigation strategies associated with third-party contracts. The role also extends to providing cross-divisional support to teams such as marketing, retail operations, finance, supply chain and logistics, and corporate affairs, proactively identifying and managing potential areas of legal risk across the organisation.

Requirements for this Opportunity

To be considered for this Legal Counsel position, candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and maintain membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. A minimum of four years of post-call experience, gained from a top-tier law firm or a substantial in-house legal department, is essential. This experience must include broad and extensive commercial exposure, particularly in an in-house environment supporting various business stakeholders, including the IT sector. Ideal candidates will also demonstrate strong business acumen, the ability to work independently, and superior analytical capabilities, coupled with a strategic mindset. While not mandatory, experience working in a regulated industry or the public sector is preferred. Substantive knowledge in beverage-alcohol regulations, cybersecurity, and information privacy, including FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act), along with an understanding of AI, would be considered significant assets. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, pragmatism, and a proven ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and internal clients are also highly valued for this role.

Working at the LCBO

Joining the LCBO offers a world of opportunities for legal professionals seeking a challenging yet rewarding career. This onsite role provides a competitive pay range and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health and dental coverage, access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program, and a Defined Benefit Pension plan. Employees also enjoy discounts on products and services through Workperks. The LCBO is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, where every individual feels valued, respected, and heard. As an equal opportunity employer, the LCBO is dedicated to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This commitment ensures a safe, healthy, diverse, inclusive, and accountable workplace where wellbeing is a top priority. The organisation continuously invests in people and technology, offering a dynamic environment where contributions are respected and valued, allowing employees to achieve their true potential while making a positive impact supporting Ontario businesses and communities.