Who we are:
Canderel is a top real estate company known for its expertise in commercial, residential, and investment partnerships. We excel in delivering innovative solutions and outstanding value across all areas of real estate. Dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable communities, we enhance the lives of residents, tenants, and partners through creative thinking and exceptional execution. Committed to diversity and inclusion, we actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ communities.

Canderel is seeking an experienced, rigorous and highly motivated lawyer to join its growing legal team as a Legal Counsel. This role is ideal for a bilingual lawyer with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in commercial leasing and/or commercial real estate transactions who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is comfortable working independently. This is a new national role in the Canderel legal department that will report directly to the Chief Legal Officer of Canderel.

The Legal Counsel will work closely with the Chief Legal Officer, senior management and cross-functional teams to evaluate, structure, and implement legal and business solutions across various arrangements, including new and existing leases, service contracts and value-add investments.

This includes drafting and negotiating agreements, amendments, and related documentation as well as managing tenant relations.

The successful candidate will clearly and concisely communicate legal positions to both internal stakeholders and external parties.

Primary responsibilities:

• Working with regional management and leasing teams, draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial leasing documents and operational contracts.
• Lead brokers and internal team members through the lease negotiation process from start to finish.
• Draft and negotiate Letters of Intent, Offers to Lease, and Lease Agreements in collaboration with landlords, brokers, and internal team members.
• Provide strategic legal advice and support to internal stakeholders on leasing matters, operational matters and related real estate issues.
• Manage lease-related disputes and liaise with external counsel as needed.
• Identify and resolve negotiation challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Delivery of efficient and effective legal advice and support of Canderel’s management team.
• Support legal due diligence and leasing aspects of acquisitions, dispositions, secured financings and development projects.
• Maintain and update legal precedents;
• Manage and mentor regional lease administration teams
• Contribute to team success by supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and upholding Canderel’s high standards of excellence.
• Develop relationships with business units and be proactive in participating in strategic value add efforts

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of legal commercial real estate experience at a Canadian company and/or reputable law firm;
• A law degree from a recognized university and member of the Barreau du Québec and/or Ontario Bar in good standing;
• Bilingual in French and English;
• Highly focused with attention to detail with superior organizational and time management skills.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities;
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with experience navigating complex legal matters;
• Ability to apply legal skills in a pragmatic manner to assist the leasing and portfolio management teams in achieving positive business results;
• Team player with an ability to mentor others and build relationships at all levels of an organization.

Canderel is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation and makes our company stronger. We are committed to fostering a safe and positive environment that respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants to join our team as we continue to grow and build a strong and varied workforce reflective of today’s diverse world.