Senior Counsel, Commercial Banking

Join a Challenger

Being a traditional bank just isn't our thing, so we challenge ourselves to get creative in providing innovative banking solutions for Canadians.

How do we get there? With a talented team of inquisitive and agile challengers that break through the status quo. So, if you're passionate about redefining the future of banking—while having fun—this could be your next big opportunity.

Our company continues to grow, and today we serve more than 670,000 people across Canada through Equitable Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank, and have been around for more than 50 years. Equitable Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, Concentra Bank, supports credit unions across Canada that serve more than six million members. Together we have over $125 billion in combined assets under management and administration, with a clear mandate to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. Our customers have named our EQ Bank digital platform ) one of the top banks in Canada on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021.

The Work

Reporting to the Senior Director, Legal – Commercial Banking, the successful candidate will provide strategic legal support primarily to the Commercial Banking division, advising on a broad range of legal matters including commercial lending transactions, regulatory compliance and risk management, new product development and corporate initiatives, and assisting with customer issues. The successful candidate will be a proactive legal advisor with expertise in commercial banking and real estate lending, capable of identifying and managing complex legal issues, and partnering with cross-functional teams and business units.

As Senior Counsel, you will help preserve the Bank's reputation for integrity and work with the Bank's stakeholders to support policies and procedures that meet regulatory requirements, and maintain cooperative relationships with governmental policymakers, and regulatory and self-regulatory agencies that govern the Bank's businesses.

• Provide legal analysis and transactional support, including the review, preparation and negotiation of agreements and documentation, and providing advice on complex issues with an emphasis on commercial real estate and secured lending
• Working closely with the Bank's Originations, Credit and Underwriting, Portfolio Management and Special Loans (Defaults) teams, provide advice on deal structuring, intercreditor arrangements, taking effective security, and ensuring the Bank's interests are protected
• Provide timely and accurate responses to questions from internal stakeholders and business partners to facilitate transactions within predetermined timeframes
• Assist with internal governance, policy development, and training initiatives to promote legal awareness, risk mitigation and a culture of compliance
• Support new product development and strategic initiatives by identifying legal implications and ensuring compliance with applicable laws
• Research substantial legal issues and federal and provincial legislation to evaluate implications for the Bank, and undertake special projects as required
• Proactively identify emerging issues and legal trends, and evaluate the legal risks to the Bank for escalation to management as necessary
• Maintain proximity to applicable industry and market trends in Canadian finance, commercial real estate and project development, and participate in industry groups
• Work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment on complex, confidential and sensitive decisions
• Contribute to the development of precedents, commercial templates, playbooks and best practices for business initiatives to streamline internal processes and minimize reliance on external counsel
• Direct and oversee external counsel to ensure cost-effectiveness and high-quality service

• Graduate of a recognized law school (L.L.B. or J.D.)
• Called to the Ontario Bar/Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
• 4-6 years of post-call experience in private practice or in-house, preferably in a financial institution with a focus on commercial banking or financial services
• Strong knowledge of Canadian banking laws, lending practices, and regulatory frameworks
• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial real estate law and real estate financing. Experience with CMHC insured loan transactions would be an asset
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strategic thinker, collaborative and proactive mindset, and excellent interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with insolvency law and proceedings would be an asset
• Proficiency in French would be an asset
• Demonstrated reliability and integrity

What we offer [For full-time permanent roles]

\uD83D\uDCB0 Competitive discretionary bonus

Market leading RRSP match program

\uD83E\uDE7A Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits

\uD83D\uDCDD Employee Share Purchase Plan

\uD83D\uDC76\uD83C\uDFFD Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one

\uD83C\uDFDD Generous vacation policy and personal days

\uD83D\uDDA5 Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues

\uD83C\uDF93 Annual professional development allowance and a comprehensive Career Development program

\uD83D\uDC9B A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Bank's additional office space located at Ontario Street, Toronto, ON.

Equitable Bank is deeply committed to inclusion. Our organization is stronger and our employees thrive when we honour and celebrate everyone's diverse experiences and perspectives. In tandem with that commitment, we support and encourage our staff to grow not just in their career path, but personally as well.

We commit to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment for all applicants. Please let us know of any accommodations needed so that you can bring your best self to the application process and beyond. All candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check and credit check to qualify for hire. While we appreciate your interest in applying, an Equitable recruiter will only contact leading candidates whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of the position.

We can't wait to get to know you