Legal Counsel in Ottawa, Ontario

Legal Counsel

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 50 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.

The company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 14 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com

The Telesat group of companies consists of approximately 50 companies and branches situated throughout the world. The Telesat group also owns and leases numerous offices and teleport facilities around the globe in support of its satellite and business operations. The Telesat group has entered into numerous financing arrangements, including banking facilities and bonds.

Telesat is seeking a motivated lawyer with a proven track record of effective file management to join its legal department. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of broad corporate and commercial contracting experience gained at a major firm or corporation along with substantial experience in commercial real estate. Experience with regulations for receiving and managing goods and technology controlled under Canada’s Controlled Goods Program would also be considered desirable and pertinent for the role. The candidate will be engaged in a wide variety of matters including reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, commercial real estate leases and purchases/sales/renewals/extensions, and assisting with the creation and maintenance of companies and branches throughout the world. Certain tasks will be completed with the assistance of domestic and foreign outside counsel.

This position will report to a senior team member and will be part of a larger legal department consisting of 6 other lawyers, contract specialists, a legal services coordinator, a security and corporate services team and a procurement and supply chain management group.

Education, Experience and Qualities Required

• A law degree and be a member in good standing of a provincial or state bar

• 3-5 years of corporate/commercial experience as well as commercial real estate (leasing and purchase/sale) gained at a major firm or corporation

• Experience with regulations under the Canada’s Controlled Goods Program would also be considered desirable and pertinent for the role, although it is not required

• Experience in retaining and supervising outside counsel (domestic and foreign), or providing services to in-house counsel in furtherance of their objectives

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in dealing with internal stakeholders, staff, and external counterparties

• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical individuals

• Strong organizational skills and capable of managing a portfolio of competing files and time requirements

• A team player, collaborative and independently driven

• Must demonstrate a flexible, open-minded attitude and have strong interpersonal skills

• Asset: Bilingual in English and French (but not required)

Supervision Exercised

• This role initially has no direct reports, but will work and interact with multi-disciplinary engineering, contracts, legal, and commercial teams to provide guidance to management and employees on contract terms and conditions and requirements.

Working Conditions

• The position will be located in the Ottawa headquarters.

• Working conditions are typical of an office environment.

• Occasional travel, including international travel, is possible.

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

At Telesat, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer that values equality in the workplace. We are committed to providing the best candidate experience possible including any required accommodations at every stage of our interview process. All qualified applicants that have been selected for an interview that require accommodations, are advised to inform the Telesat Talent team accordingly. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential.