Employment Counsel, Canada & International

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Employment Counsel, Canada & International based in Canada.

This role provides broad employment-law ownership across Canada, with additional support for key international markets as the organization continues to expand. You will advise People & Culture teams and business leaders throughout the full employment lifecycle, from hiring and workplace matters through to termination. The position combines day-to-day legal advisory work with compliance, investigations, dispute resolution, and employment-related projects. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to navigate complex and multi-jurisdictional employment matters. The role also offers an opportunity to help build scalable legal frameworks that support international growth. In addition, you will help shape how AI tools are responsibly incorporated into legal research, drafting, matter management, and employment-law workflows.

Accountabilities:

• Provide day-to-day employment law advice across Canada, covering applicable provincial requirements and supporting additional jurisdictions such as the UK, Germany, Australia, and Singapore when needed.
• Partner with People & Culture teams and business leaders on the full employment lifecycle, including hiring, performance management, accommodations, leaves of absence, workplace issues, and terminations.
• Advise on Canadian employment standards, human rights, and related workplace legislation while helping stakeholders understand practical legal implications.
• Manage and help resolve employment standards complaints, human rights complaints, demand letters, and other employment-related disputes.
• Support litigation strategy and coordinate with external counsel when employment matters require specialized representation or jurisdiction-specific advice.
• Conduct and support workplace investigations, helping ensure matters are handled consistently, appropriately, and in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Draft, review, and maintain employment agreements, policies, handbooks, templates, and other employment-related documentation across supported jurisdictions.
• Support employment-law compliance initiatives and help develop sustainable processes for Legal and People & Culture teams.
• Contribute to international expansion by helping establish compliant employment frameworks and practices in new markets.
• Work with local external counsel where required to understand and address jurisdiction-specific employment-law requirements.
• Identify opportunities to use AI tools to accelerate legal research, drafting, matter triage, case management, and recurring employment-law workflows.
• Review and validate AI-assisted legal output using appropriate professional judgment and ensure that final advice and documentation meet applicable legal and quality standards.
• Develop internal playbooks, templates, guidance materials, and self-service resources that help business stakeholders navigate recurring employment matters.
• Manage multiple concurrent matters and projects while balancing legal risk, business priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder needs.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3+ years of relevant employment law experience, including experience advising on Canadian employment matters and handling employment demands and litigation.
• Previous experience at a law firm advising on Canadian employment law is required.
• Experience with employment matters in additional jurisdictions such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, or Germany is an asset.
• Called to the bar in at least one Canadian province and in good standing; Ontario admission is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Canadian employment standards and human rights legislation, with the ability to quickly understand and apply requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong legal judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with practical, commercially minded advice.
• Experience advising business leaders and non-legal stakeholders on complex employment issues.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple matters, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where priorities and requirements may evolve.
• Genuine interest in AI-powered legal tools and willingness to incorporate new technologies into everyday legal workflows.
• Ability to critically review, validate, and apply sound legal judgment to AI-assisted research, drafting, and analysis.
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working closely with People & Culture, business leadership, Legal, Compliance, and external counsel.

Benefits:

• Base salary range of $114,400-$157,300 CAD.
• Potential eligibility for additional compensation depending on the role, including annual bonuses, commissions, or equity awards.
• Fully remote position for candidates located in Canada.
• Retirement, 401(k), or pension savings programs, depending on applicable location.
• Competitive paid time off packages, including birthday leave.
• Comprehensive mental health care program.
• Health benefits available from the first day of employment.
• Work-from-home reimbursement.
• Optional global WeWork membership and access to hubs in London and Toronto.
• Robust training and onboarding program.
• Support for professional development initiatives, including conferences, courses, and books.
• Access to professional courses and certifications supporting continuous learning.
• Parental leave program.
• Friendly, collaborative, and supportive working environment.
• Social and team events.
• Compensation may vary based on experience, technical skills, knowledge, education, certifications, organizational needs, and budget alignment.
• Benefits and perks may vary depending on location and employment arrangement.
• Accessible recruitment process with accommodations available upon request.