Legal Counsel

Powertech Labs, a fully owned research and testing subsidiary of BC Hydro, has a full-time opportunity for a Legal Counsel. Powertech's legal team is an integral part of our operations. Our small and mighty team is part of the bigger BC Hydro family and the same is true of our Legal department. Your professional legal network will include a larger team of lawyers available to you to provide camaraderie, help and legal expertise as needed.

If you have a solution-oriented approach to the law and enjoy working independently with your clients and other team members, this position would be an excellent opportunity.

Reporting to the General Counsel, the selected candidate will be responsible for providing legal advice and support to all areas of the organization on a broad range of issues, as well as instructing, overseeing and providing support to outside counsel on varied contractual and other legal matters.

The primary responsibilities will include general corporate work, negotiating, reviewing and drafting contracts such as NDAs, Master Service Agreements, Terms and Conditions, MOUs, Consulting Services Agreements, etc.

This role will support business groups in structuring legal relationships with suppliers, customers, regulators and others. The selected candidate will be responsible for providing legal advice to all areas of the organization on a broad range of issues, as well as instructing, overseeing and providing support to outside counsel on complex contractual and legal matters. In addition, you will handle various legal issues associated with international transactions and governance topics related to Powertech and our US subsidiary. A strong background in commercial transactions, with demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating contracts of all kinds, as well as managing the process is essential.

Powertech is in the early stages of making the transition to a highly automated system of document creation and management. This transition incorporates the use of AI tools. The successful candidate is expected to be comfortable with the adoption of these technologies into their practice and familiarity in doing so would be considered an asset.

Qualifications

- Candidates must hold a law degree, with strong preference given to graduates of Canadian law schools. Degrees from select U.S. institutions may also be considered. Eligibility to practice law in British Columbia is required.

- Candidates must be, or be eligible to become, a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.

- Current membership, or eligibility for membership, in the Law Society of British Columbia is required, plus a minimum of five years of post-call experience gained either in-house or at a law firm.

- Knowledge and experience associated with legal issues related to the provision of goods and services.

- Knowledge and experience associated with cross-border transactions.

- Knowledge and experience in procurement law, with an understanding of procurement rules applicable to the public sector being an asset.

- Familiarity with some or all of the following areas of law is a definite asset: intellectual property, software licensing, insurance, employment, labour, litigation, regulatory, etc.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to articulate and present legal arguments to senior business stakeholders.

- Independent, self-starter with strong organizational, prioritization and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects concurrently

- Committed to maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion

- Experience supporting an engineering-heavy environment would be an asset.

Job Status: Full-Time Regular

Affiliation:  Management & Professionals (M&P/ Non-union role)

Job location: Surrey, B.C.  While Powertech offers work flexibility, this position will be primarily in-office with some flexibility for hybrid work

Job Level: P4

Note that candidates with lesser experience may be considered for a P3 role that is appropriate to their level of experience.

As part of the selection process, applicants may be required to complete a written test/ assessment and/or a presentation as part of the interview process. A condition of employment for this job is that you maintain your Driver's License (Class 5) in good standing.

We offer a collegial professional environment, with the benefits and opportunities of a large organization. At Powertech, you will be part of a team that values collaboration and excellence. If you are a motivated legal professional with a passion for technology and innovation, we would love to hear from you.