Legal Counsel

About this opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

We are seeking a legal Counsel to join our Legal Services team, reporting to the Director, Legal Services. This role will provide high-quality, timely legal advice across a broad range of matters, with a focus on member concerns, litigation, vendor contract review, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to internal business units, supporting compliance, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Management

• Manage litigation matters from end-to-end, including early assessment of cause of action and liability, developing litigation strategies, instructing and overseeing external counsel, drafting and reviewing correspondence, assessing settlement options, providing and reviewing opinions and recommendations, and assisting with the creation of pleadings, briefs, and supporting documentation for litigation files.
• Provide sound legal advice and recommend strategies to mitigate risk and limit liabilities and exposure.
• Contribute to the continual improvement of processes, documentation, and practices to achieve a more efficient workflow.
• Lead the creation of templates and tools to support the knowledge and engagement of legal resources.

Vendor Contract Review; Projects and Initiatives

• Review and revise vendor third-party contracts working directly with various business departments.
• Assist the Director and Vice-President on key initiatives and projects.
• Act as a resource to support business units as appropriate on special projects.

Trusted Advisor and Counsel

• Provide high quality and timely legal advice, responding to requests and queries, providing interpretations, explanations and guidance around legal contracts, agreements, tactics, and managing client relationships to steer and influence outcomes.
• Provide advice and support in response to inquiries daily by multiple employees of our corporate offices and branches on general matters involving Member concerns and inquiries, fraud and anti-money laundering, estates, privacy, marketing, legal interpretation, compliance and audit.
• Support and guide our business functions to understand and apply legal advice.
• Educate business partners about legal matters and developments relevant to their business area.
• Develop strong, collaborative working relationships internal and external stakeholders to understand activities and legal/business issues, identify opportunities to leverage resources and share information, collaborate on projects and initiatives and influence outcomes.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
• Member in good standing with the law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience, preferably within the financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge of litigation management, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and a commitment to quality client service.

Office Location: 3330 Bloor Street West, Toronto OR 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines. This is a hybrid work opportunity.

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires a minimum of semi-monthly regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is important to us.

What’s in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages teamwork, creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success!
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients!
• You will get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders and colleagues, who have hailed from top organizations.
• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues.
• This is not your typical “corporate” job. We work hard and we have fun!

Who we are:

Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 380,000 Members. Meridian has more than 80 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 87 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 32B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2200 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose – helping our members achieve their best life.

Find our story here: About Meridian

Experience the Difference!

Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.

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@MeridianCareers

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