An Ocean of Opportunity

When you join the Halifax Port Authority (HPA), you’re stepping into a role with impact, purpose, and the opportunity to make a difference on a global scale. The world’s largest shipping lines call here, connecting the port to more than 150 countries. Every day, our team connects to the world through our leading, international gateway, creating lasting prosperity for our communities.

Our core mandate is to facilitate the movement of goods and people to support economic development while ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.

Our business operations have three distinct areas of activity: cargo, cruise, and real estate, supported by our dedicated and talented employees. We are ISO45001 certified and deeply committed to a culture of safety, ensuring the well-being of every team member is our top priority.

At the Halifax Port Authority, you'll be part of something bigger, joining an inspiring team that is helping shape the future for the region, the province and Canada.

We are hiring a Legal Counsel

Position summary:

The Legal Counsel provides timely, practical legal support to the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) across commercial, regulatory, governance, and operational matters. Working under the guidance of the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, the Legal Counsel drafts and reviews agreements, conducts legal research and analysis, assists with board and committee support, coordinates access to information and privacy files, engages in risk management, and facilitates regulatory compliance. The role builds strong internal relationships, exercises sound judgment, and supports HPA’s mission and vision while upholding professional and ethical standards.

The Legal Counsel reports to the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.

What you’ll do:

Legal:

• Provide timely, responsive, business-focused, legal advice to HPA.
• Conduct legal research and draft, review, and negotiate various contracts and leases, including construction, IT/licensing, procurement documents (RFP/RFQ/contract templates), NDAs, MOUs, change orders and amendments.
• Provide legal support on business transactions, labour and employment, real estate matters, regulatory and compliance matters, privacy, access to information, official languages legislation and industry-specific legislation.
• Coordinate with external counsel on litigation and administrative matters; support evidence preservation, document collection/production, and subpoena responses.
• Identify legal risks and practical mitigation strategies.

Risk Management:

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of HPA’s Risk Management framework.
• Maintain the corporate Risk Register and Risk Treatment Action Plans.
• Facilitate annual and ad hoc risk assessments with business units and executive leadership.
• Ensure risk considerations are embedded in decision making, major projects and strategic planning.
• Provide legal input to risk identification and mitigation measures.

Compliance:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of HPA’s Regulatory Compliance Register, including assigning and tracking compliance responsibilities across departments.
• Monitor changes in applicable laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., Canada Marine Act, Port Authorities Management Regulations, Letters Patent[LD1] , Official Languages Act).
• Coordinate annual compliance certifications and reporting.
• Support the development and implementation of internal compliance procedures, including conducting internal compliance reviews to monitor and ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and regulatory obligations and following up on corrective actions.
• Integrate compliance tracking into a Formal Management System to ensure visibility and accountability for key initiatives and regulatory deliverables and collaborate with initiative leads and executive sponsors to ensure adherence with deadlines, budget, and policies and procedures.

General:

• Monitor legal developments and advise on implications for HPA’s operations.
• Assist with corporate governance activities, including board and committee support, minute-taking, and policy development.
• Maintain organized files, precedents, and checklists; contribute to continuous improvement of templates and playbooks.
• Provide assistance to the General Counsel in developing and delivering organizational training (e.g., contracting fundamentals, privacy/ATIP, official languages obligations, records, and ethics).
• Manage competing priorities and escalate appropriately.
• Develop and deliver training programs on risk management and compliance obligations.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What you’ll bring:

• LL.B or J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, or eligible for membership.
• Minimum two years post-call experience.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation and regulations relevant to Canadian Port Authorities.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and project management skills.

Why you’ll love working here:

• Dynamic workplace that embraces professional development.
• Benefits that make a difference.
• Commitment to sustainability, HPA Sustainability Strategy.
• Cutting-edge technology and innovation.
• Inclusive and supportive culture.
• Community partnership, and of course…
• the stunning Halifax Harbour view from our doorstep.

How to apply

Learn more on our website Careers | Port of Halifax and follow us on LinkedIn.

At the Halifax Port Authority, we embrace a culture of belonging. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or whom you love, we welcome your application. We all come from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities. If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know.