Description
Coulson Group of Companies is seeking an experienced General Counsel to provide strategic legal guidance and support across our international operations. This role works closely with executive leadership, HR, operations, and external counsel on a broad range of corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and contractual matters. The successful candidate will help manage legal risk, support compliance initiatives, review and negotiate agreements, oversee litigation matters, and provide practical business-focused legal advice within a fast-paced operational environment spanning Canada, the United States, Australia, and other international jurisdictions. Experience in multi-jurisdictional operations, regulated industries, aviation, transportation, or industrial environments is considered an asset.
The In-House Counsel provides strategic legal support, guidance, and oversight across the Coulson Group of Companies. This role ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigates legal risk, supports operational decision-making, and provides proactive counsel on corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and contractual matters. The In-House Counsel works closely with executive leadership, HR, operations, and external counsel to advance organizational objectives while ensuring legal compliance and risk management.
Legal Advisory & Risk Management
- Provide timely legal advice to leadership and management on a broad range of corporate, commercial, employment, and operational matters.
- Identify potential legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, MOUs, and other legal documents as needed.
- Provide guidance on regulatory compliance specific to the jurisdictions in which the company operates on an as needed basis.
- Advise on intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, and data governance considerations.
Corporate Compliance
- Maintain compliance with federal, provincial/state, and international legislation applicable to the company when working though the assigned tasks you have been given.
- Support as needed policy development and updates to ensure alignment with changing legal requirements and best practices.
- Manage corporate governance obligations, including resolutions, corporate filings, and maintenance of corporate records.
- Support internal audits and investigations as required, providing legal oversight and recommendations.
- Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for employees and Coulson Group of Companies in the industries and countries in which we operate.
Employment & HR Support
- Provide legal guidance on employment-related matters, including hiring, contracts, terminations, workplace investigations, accommodation, and regulatory compliance questions or considerations that may arise.
- Provide content insight to HR for drafting and reviewing workplace policies, disciplinary documentation, and compliance initiatives.
- Advise on concerns or needed responses in relation to employee relations issues related to employment standards, and practices across applicable jurisdictions.
Litigation & External Counsel Coordination
- Manage and oversee external counsel where litigation or specialized legal support is required.
- Analyze and communicate the probable outcomes of situations we are faced with using knowledge of legal precedents through case law set in the countries in which we operate.
- Support dispute resolution strategies, including negotiation, arbitration, or mediation.
- Coordinate document production, evidence gathering, and strategy development with outside counsel.
- Support any in person company court obligations as needed.
- Advise the company concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
Other:
- Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
- Liaison with relevant internal key stakeholders, external customers and 3rd party partners as directed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Leadership
Provides guidance, leadership, mentoring or training to other employees (no direct supervisory responsibilities)
Education
- High School Diploma
- Bachelors Degree
- Professional Degree in Law
Experience
Identify minimum number of years and specific experience required to perform this job
- 5-10 years of broad legal experience
- Experience working with multi-jurisdictional operations or regulated industries
- Member in good standing with a recognized Law Society/Bar
Describe other preferred experience required for the position, including length and in what capacity (i.e. operational, supervisory, management level, ect. )
- Aviation or transportation
- International experience
- Strong background in corporate/commercial law; experience in employment law and regulatory compliance is an asset.
Technical Skills
List the key 3-7 specific technical skills required to be able to fulfill requirements of the job.
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Ability to navigate complex, time-sensitive issues with clarity and professionalism.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- High attention to detail, integrity, and discretion.
Attributes
Competencies for the position
Demonstrates strong legal reasoning, Identifies legal risks early, evaluates impacts across multiple jurisdictions, recommends practical business-focused solutions, Balances risk mitigation with operational realities and strategic business goals.
