Counsel - Regulatory and International Law - Montreal -

Job Description

Description

Are you passionate about reaching new heights, teamwork and making a meaningful contribution? Do you picture yourself as a valued member of an industry-leading organization? If you answered yes to these questions, Air Canada is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the diverse and vibrant team working together to lead the growth and expansion of Canada’s flag carrier.

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents and the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. We are among the 20 largest airlines in the world serves more than 48 million customers each year. We are undergoing significant growth and transforming to become a global aviation champion.

We have an innovative legal team that continues to earn the respect and confidence of our internal colleagues, participating as true business partners to support Air Canada’s strategic objectives. When you join Air Canada and its Legal Department, you’ll become a vital part of a team of driven professionals that are truly making a difference, connecting Canada and the world.

We are looking for a regulatory & international counsel to join our team of professionals in Montreal for a permanent position. The successful candidate will:

• work on a variety of initiatives supporting all aspects of our business and operations, which call upon expertise in various areas of the law, including regulatory aviation law, competition law, international matters and advertising law.
• have a minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of relevant experience in a major law firm or an established in-house legal department with an emphasis on competition, administrative or international law and an exposure to regulated environments and have a passion for learning and gaining a deep understanding of the business to more effectively support strategies and objectives.
• have strong advocacy and written and oral communication skills, and the ability to convey messages and thoughts clearly, concisely, persuasively, and in a focused manner, to form compelling arguments based on facts, logic and law, to listen and question appropriately to gain full understanding, and to tailor the message appropriately to the particular audience;
• possess good business judgment and be strategic, pragmatic and thorough with a solid ability to assess legal and business risk, and drive to satisfy and anticipate “client” needs, possessing creativity to tailor approach to meet the business needs;
• possess strong drafting, negotiating and analytical skills, be a leader, self-motivated and someone who thrives on challenges and having responsibility and who enjoys working in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment alongside a very cohesive team of professionals;
• play a key role in securing authorities to operate in international jurisdictions, providing advice on legal issues related to various corporate initiatives and alliance activities and; for drafting, reviewing and commenting on contractual, policy and other documentation; and for advocating for Air Canada’s interests with governmental authorities worldwide;

Qualifications

Particular experience in at least some of the following areas is an asset: aviation, e-commerce, competition, alliances and joint ventures, international, advertising, access to information and environment. The candidate should also have a track record demonstrating the following qualities or characteristics:

• drive for results and urgency and motivation towards achievement of goals;
• ability to understand, anticipate and meet “client” needs, effectively communicating and always remaining cognizant of related risks;
• strong desire to participate as part of a team and initiative to empower and guide the team (when appropriate), with an ability to contribute to a shared sense of direction;
• be strategic and creative and ability to consider, refine and merge different approaches to achieve workable solutions;
• inclination to take initiative and be proactive and resourceful;
• be supportive of innovation, and adaptable and flexible to work effectively in a context of rapid change and to grasp opportunities to learn and build knowledge;
• capacity to work autonomously and under pressure, displaying composure in difficult situations;
• thoroughness, tenacity and resilience to persevere towards goals, despite challenges and obstacles, maintaining enthusiasm through to the attainment of the goals;
• have a practical and business oriented approach, recognizing the operational and commercial implications of any commercial arrangement, proposed legislation or business initiatives.

The successful candidate will be someone who is willing to go beyond a defined role, to tackle issues oneself as a means to increase overall effectiveness and who looks at the broad context to decide what action is called for to achieve the desired result. He or she will be prepared to pursue the tough option if it means doing the right thing for the business. She or he will consider the financial, operational or strategic impact of all actions and decisions and ensure that these factors are appropriately considered.

The ability to convey messages and thoughts clearly, concisely, persuasively and in a focused manner; to listen and question appropriately in order to gain full understanding; to tailor the message appropriately to the listeners; and to share information, ideas and feedback in a timely manner are essential. Integrity (including a strong work ethic, high personal standards, discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information, dedication to follow through on commitments, and openness and honesty in communications as well as a respectful demeanor) is assumed. The successful candidate will be one who takes pride in her or his role as a representative of Canada’s flag carrier.

Solid academic credentials and a proven track record must be demonstrated. Membership in the Bar of a Canadian Province is essential and common and civil law training is an asset. Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Intangible Benefits

While the selected candidate will often be required to work autonomously, he or she will also have the benefit of working closely and exchanging with colleagues and internal clients who have acquired a broad and deep understanding of all commercial aspects of the business. While demands are often as high as in private practice, workflow tends to be more predictable and balanced. The work is diverse and challenging and not monotonous. There are regular opportunities for exposure to new mandates; the range of available work is wide and quality is typically high. An international dimension is also present for one for whom an international practice, based in Montreal, is an attraction.