Legal Counsel (12-month Term)

Toronto, ON
Hybrid
Posted Oct 8, 2026
1 position

$105,750–$176,250 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Temporary
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Apply by: Oct 24, 2026
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Legal Counsel provides strategic legal analysis and advice regarding Payments Canada's statutory mandate, regulatory framework, and general business affairs. They support business operations by managing legal risks, drafting contracts, and fostering collaboration across the organization.

Job details

Payments Canada is at the forefront of the Canadian payment ecosystem. Our purpose is to make payments easier, smarter and safer for all Canadians. Every day we are working diligently to ensure your payments are cleared and settled. In 2025 alone, our systems cleared approximately $103 trillion or $411.9 billion every business day! If you are passionate about payments and want to help ensure that these financial transactions in Canada are carried out safely and securely, working with us is for you! | Who we are We are a public purpose, non-profit organization situated at the center of Canada’s payment ecosystem. We own and operate payment systems that process hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of payment transactions every business day. We convene ecosystem participants to discuss their multiple and diverse interests and ideas and to navigate industry-level challenges. We adhere to a set of values that are our north star: Inspire trust, build community and enable change. Payments Canada — where our country connects | Our culture With our people in mind, we have created a culture that fosters authenticity, collaboration, innovation and development. We empower one another, make meaningful contributions that not only impact the organization, but our country! We develop and nurture meaningful connections that drive innovation in our ecosystem. We are Payments Canada! Do you want to make payments easier, smarter and safer for Canada? Join us today! You need to work here if You love working with passionate, ambitious and collaborative colleagues. You want to be challenged and lead unique initiatives. You want to grow, develop and become a subject matter expert in your field. You want your work to make an impact in your community and country. Come and join us — where payments meet purpose! | What we are looking for Reporting to the Director, Legal Affairs & Senior Legal Counsel, the Legal Counsel functions as part of a collegial team and provides strategic and business focused legal analysis and advice to Payments Canada relating to its statutory mandate, legal and regulatory framework (including the development and interpretation of Payments Canada’s enabling legislation, by-laws and rules), strategic goals, and general business affairs. As a trusted team player and peer mentor, the Legal Counsel readily shares their specialized knowledge and works to develop both their own expertise and skills and those of others. Legal Advice and Support Services Support Payments Canada in its business operations and in achieving its strategic plan by proactively advising on a wide range of legal risks and issues, responding to internal and external legal inquiries, providing legal support on projects, and giving both strategic and operational legal advice on matters such as: the Canadian Payments Act, and Payments Canada’s by-laws, rules, and standards; Banking and payments law; Governance, regulatory oversight, and regulatory practices and requirements; General corporate and commercial law; Intellectual property; and Information technology, Fintech, and emerging policy and legal issues. Seek out opportunities and establish methods to share knowledge with legal and business partner colleagues to promote collaboration and the transfer of knowledge. Participate in Legal team planning to help foster an environment of continuous improvement in the provision of efficient and effective legal support to Payments Canada. Seek out, promote, and implement process and practice management improvements on an ongoing basis. Protect Payments Canada’s solicitor-client privilege and treat all matters involving the provision of legal advice in strictest confidence, as required by the duties of confidentiality and loyalty set out in the rules of professional conduct applicable to practicing lawyers. Provide mentorship and guidance to colleagues across Payments Canada with respect to specific subject matter expertise. Professional Development The incumbent should expect to spend a minimum of 5-10 days annually on professional development in fulfillment of Law Society CPD requirements, and to maintain the skills required in the performance of the duties associated with this position. Develop and maintain legal skills and expertise by seeking out peer learning opportunities and attending continuing legal education offerings tailored to develop professional and subject matter expertise. Technical Competencies Excellent legal research and drafting skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Ability to identify risks and potential solutions when providing legal advice Business acumen with an ability to balance legal risks and business objectives, influence business leaders, and deal effectively with conflict Ability to work independently and as part of a team to produce high-quality work Ability to devise innovative approaches to problems Ability to provide concise guidance and advice Personal Competencies Critical reasoning and analytical thinking Displays of social and self-awareness High attention to detail and accuracy Develops and apply innovative solutions as appropriate Ability to quickly establish and maintain credibility and respect among colleagues and peers within and beyond Payments Canada Exercises a high degree of initiative and flexibility Recognizes the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organizational and time management skills Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and skills development for self, and provides support to others via mentorship and knowledge sharing Acts decisively and assertively as needed Demonstrates excellent judgment and discretion Strong interpersonal skills; the incumbent must maintain professional interactions and be able to respond to all employees, members and external contacts in a diplomatic manner | What you need to be successful Baccalaureate of Laws (LL. B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.); Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario; Minimum of three (3) years of post-call corporate law experience in a law firm or in-house/corporate counsel position; Experience in drafting and interpreting legislation, by-laws, rules and standards, and organizational policies; Experience in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts; Experience in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with business partners, clients or stakeholders; Experience in financial services and with federally regulated entities is considered an asset; Valid criminal records check or eligibility to obtain; Ability to accommodate occasional travel, as required; Must be able to work out of our Toronto or Ottawa offices; Post-call corporate law experience in a law firm or in-house/corporate counsel position in Ontario is considered an asset; Experience or background in employment and labor law is considered an asset; and Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset. | Salary range Our target starting rate for this role is $119,850 with flexibility based on your experience and qualifications. The full salary range and benefits package are detailed below. Please submit your application by October 23, 2026. | What's in it for you? Flexible, hybrid (remote/office) environment. Competitive compensation package, including annual variable bonus and defined contribution pension plan with employer matching percentage (if eligible). Comprehensive health and dental benefit coverage, including mental health coverage, life insurance and a health spending account for you and your dependents (Permanent and temporary employees with contracts 12 months and over). Paid time off: minimum four weeks paid vacation, sick and personal days, December holiday shutdown and cultural holiday observance days. 26 weeks of paid maternity and parental leave top-up (if eligible) Rewards and recognition program. Access to office gym facilities. Internal and external professional development opportunities. Fun team and organizational events. Monthly all staff forums led by our Executive Leadership Team. | Our Commitment to Fair Hiring At Payments Canada, we are dedicated to fair, transparent and inclusive hiring. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Our recruitment process uses automated tools, but not generative AI, to objectively screen and evaluate applications and confirm that a candidate’s qualifications meet job requirements. It is important to remember that these tools support, but do not replace, human decision-making. Our trained recruitment professionals and hiring managers always make the final hiring decisions. | Our diversity, inclusion and equity commitment At Payments Canada, we are committed to making everyone feel they can be themselves and thrive at work. We will continue to build on a foundation of respect and appreciation for diversity in all forms and collectively create an inclusive and equitable culture where our differences are valued. We are committed to employment equity and actively encourage applications from women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. If selected for an interview, please advise us if you require special accommodation by emailing hrinfo@payments.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Baccalaureate of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) and be a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario. A minimum of three years of post-call corporate law experience in a law firm or in-house position is required.