POSITION: In-House Legal Counsel
DIVISION: Aquilini Investment Group/Aquilini Group Holdings
DEPARTMENT: Legal
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Legal & General Counsel
COMPANY PROFILE:
Aquilini Group (“AG”) is a diversified family business founded in Vancouver, BC more than 50 years ago with roots in the real estate development and construction industry. Today the company owns and manages an international real estate portfolio that includes commercial and residential properties, hotels, golf courses, vineyards and blueberry and cranberry farms. In addition to its ongoing pursuits in real estate development and construction, AG has expanded its holdings to include assets in the sports & entertainment, aquaculture, tourist attractions, restaurants, and food & beverage industries.
SUMMARY:
Working with the VP, Legal & General Counsel, the In-House Legal Counsel is responsible for assisting in the proactive, efficient and effective delivery of a comprehensive range of legal services and strategic business advice to Aquilini Investment Group (“AIG”) and its wide array of subsidiaries and related entities. The incumbent will be engaged in a variety of legal matters with an emphasis on commercial litigation, real estate and business acquisitions, real estate, corporate financings, regulatory and municipal compliance matters and corporate governance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(other duties may be assigned, as required)
- Provide legal, practical and strategic business advice, as requested, to the appropriate stakeholders at AIG
- Act as a business partner, providing legal orientation and back-office support to different business processes and negotiations
- Draft and review legal documents and a wide variety of contracts
- Research and respond to general legal inquiries from AIG that may relate to disputes and litigation, regulatory issues, employment and privacy matters
- Assist with various disputes and litigation matters in all stages, such as preparing demand letters and pleadings, and conducting examinations for discovery, Chambers applications in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Residential Tenancy Branch hearings and Small Claims trials
- Deal with matters from intake to close, including taking initial instructions, drafting of documentation, dealing with all correspondence, and proactively moving matters forward
- Assist with drafting pleadings for employment and contractual disputes Assist with negotiating, drafting and administering real estate and corporate transaction documents as well as a broad range of service, employment and other general commercial agreements
- Assistance in residential real estate conveyances
- Liaise with external counsel providing legal advice to the organization
- Assess, identify and mitigate legal issues and risks of business activities
- Assist with files and matters of varying complexity
- Keep up-to-date on developing changes to legislation, regulations and relevant legal news to advise AIG
- Take responsibility for own personal and professional development, with support from AIG
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent)
- Admission to the B.C. bar and in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia
- 3-6 years of demonstrable post-call experience as a general practitioner, with a background in litigation
- Experience appearing before British Columbia Courts and tribunals
- Strong analytical abilities and research skills
- Strong business acumen with verbal, negotiation, interpersonal and drafting skills
- High level of composure, with the ability to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, tact and courtesy, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain strict confidentiality
- Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills and an established record of providing proactive, business friendly advice
- Highly motivated and independent self-starter; comfortable learning new legal areas and skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Working knowledge of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Ability to run an organized caseload from beginning to end, with minimal supervision
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to receive and implement feedback from General Counsel
- Excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
What We Offer:
At Aquilini, we believe in the importance of a Total Compensation package by ensuring our mix of salary, benefits, and perks are competitive within the market, while also offering a work-life balance.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision Care, Life Insurance, and AD&D coverage. In addition, you'll have opportunities for access to Rogers Arena events, an on-site gym, parking, select discounts, professional growth and development options, fun staff events throughout the year, and a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can make a tangible impact.
