Legal Counsel, Employment and Regulatory Compliance

NVA (National Veterinary Associates) is a leading network of over 1,300 locally-branded veterinary hospitals, specialty clinics, and pet resorts across North America, dedicated to supporting exceptional pet care and veterinary teams. Through our unique model, NVA partners with hospitals across North America, empowering each location to retain its local identity and focus while benefiting from NVA’s extensive resources, collaborative culture, and commitment to continuous growth and improvement.

Located in Oakville, Ontario, NVA Canada plays a central role within NVA’s operations, serving as a key support center and driving the company’s mission to support pet health and veterinary excellence across Canada.

Our supportive team operates with a focus on compassionate care, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and dedication to pet health. As part of a thriving and expansive organization, NVA is a place where professionals who are passionate about animal care and veterinary excellence can make a lasting impact.

Job Summary:

NVA Canada is seeking an adaptable and proactive legal Counsel to join our legal team, focusing on employment and regulatory compliance matters. The ideal candidate is a versatile lawyer with a strong ability to navigate a wide array of legal issues, highly organized, and solutions-oriented. This key role within our Canadian support center provides an opportunity to work closely with senior leaders and directly contribute to NVA Canada’s success. Additionally, this position includes collaboration with NVA’s U.S. legal teams and other business units, supporting cross-border initiatives.

This role allows the successful candidate the flexibility to explore focus areas within the company, develop specialized skills, and make a meaningful impact. It is a hybrid position, offering remote work with occasional in-office days, balancing flexibility with team engagement and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employment:
  • Develop and update employment agreement and contractor templates and processes to promote consistency and compliance; work with technology services on developing automation solutions
  • Advise managers and HR on employment law matters throughout the employment lifecycle, including hiring, employee relations, and terminations.
  • Provide guidance on statutory compliance issues, assist in HR-related investigations, and manage responses to regulatory inquiries.
  • Conduct training on employment law topics and contribute to multi-jurisdictional employment projects, including accommodation processes
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, internal policies, and legal requirements with respect to employer-employee policies and consumer-focused legislation.
  • Assist in the maintenance of company-wide compliance programs, working with U.S.-based colleagues on cross-border compliance efforts.
  • Support the company’s regulatory requirements by staying informed on legal and veterinary regulatory updates and advising on their business impacts.
  • Opportunity to build expertise in specific regulatory areas where individual interest and company needs align.
• General Corporate Support:
  • Advise on a variety of corporate legal matters, including contract reviews, vendor agreements, and support for M&A transactions.
  • Prioritize projects in line with professional interests, allowing autonomy and career growth.
• Team Collaboration:
  • Partner with internal teams (e.g., Human Resources, Operations, Finance) to ensure cohesive legal practices and compliance standards.
  • Collaborate with multiple departments, with the opportunity to focus on areas aligned with career goals.
• Managing Outside Counsel Relationships:
  • Work with external counsel and communicate legal advice effectively across business units.

Qualifications:

• education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• experience: Minimum of 4 years of legal experience, preferably in corporate or in-house roles focused on labor and employment, compliance, or regulatory law.
• Bar Admission: Licensed to practice in Canada and in good standing with a Canadian law society.
• Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment. Excellent communication skills to facilitate coordination with internal teams, external partners, and outside counsel.
• Attributes: Self-driven, collaborative, and capable of sound decision-making under pressure. A proactive mindset with a willingness to explore new areas of impact within the company.

Join NVA Canada to make a substantial impact within a growing organization, working with a team that values your expertise and professional development.

What You Can Expect in Return:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings matching programs.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth within a collaborative, fast-paced setting.
• Flexible working options, including a mostly remote hybrid model with occasional office attendance to foster team engagement.
• The flexibility to tailor your work focus and develop expertise in areas that are most meaningful to you and beneficial to the company.

Please Note: NVA Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. Employment eligibility verification and successful completion of a background check are required. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Candidates submitted by agencies will not be considered for this position.

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