Economic Development Associate Jobs in Toronto, ON

FIRM DESCRIPTION

At Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP (OKT), our core purpose is advocating for Indigenous rights, interests, and self-determination. We are driven by a simple priority: helping our clients achieve their own goals and advancing economic reconciliation, notwithstanding the confines presented by the Canadian legal system.

We understand the practical challenges that Indigenous governments, organizations, and peoples face when engaging with Canadian law - whether in the courts, in the boardroom, or at the negotiating table. If there is a way the legal system can be used to benefit Indigenous communities, chances are we provide that kind of service. We develop legal strategies collaboratively with our clients, with Indigenous self-determination at the foundation of everything we do.

THE ROLE

We are looking to add an Intermediate Lawyer to join our Business and Economic Development practice group. This position may be based in either our Toronto or Victoria office. Our Business and Economic Development practice has strong expertise supporting our indigenous clients in a number of sectors, including renewable energy, electricity transmission and other large scale infrastructure projects, mining finance, fish and seafood, rail and port infrastructure, gaming, and trusts.

In this role, the successful candidate will act as a core transaction team member, emerging as a lead in supporting and managing the corporate, commercial, and financing matters that arising on a file from initial structuring through to a successful transaction closing. You will be responsible for drafting and negotiating key agreements, coordinating due diligence processes, advising on indigenous models for corporate governance, and working directly with clients to advance strategic business initiatives that support economic development, economic reconciliation, and self-determination.

The successful candidate will bring strong transactional ownership, sound judgment, familiarity with client-facing interactions, and the ability to manage files with limited supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in corporate/commercial law;
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia and/or the Law Society of Ontario;
• Experience supporting and advancing Indigenous self-determination, economic development, and governance initiatives;
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, including experience with:
  • Loan and Security documentation
  • Share purchase and asset purchase agreements
  • Corporate governance documents
• Ability to manage the various components of a transaction, including overseeing due diligence and coordinating junior team members;
• Strong financial competence, including how a project's financial model contributes to the drafting of legal agreements;
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, closing processes, and competing deadlines;
• Sound commercial judgment and understanding of transaction structures and economic terms;
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to clients;
• Exceptional analytical, research, organizational, and communication skills;
• Desire to work out of OKT's Toronto or Victoria offices, with flexibility to travel to client communities across Canada.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND A STRONG FIRM CULTURE

OKT is committed to excellence in the quality of our advocacy, in our relationships with clients, and in the way we work together. Our success is built on the strength of our client partnerships, the exceptional talent within our team, and an unwavering dedication to our clients' success.

We strive to foster a collegial, supportive, and inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and thrive. We offer a competitive salary, extended health benefits, a general spending account and a subsidized gym membership for articling students, associates, and support staff. For associates, we also provide a structured mentorship program to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and thrive in your legal career.

WORKING AT OKT

OKT understands today's expectations of a flexible work environment. To help foster a collaborative work culture across departments and practices, we ask our team to come into the office at least twice a week.

Our work often takes us beyond the office and into the communities we serve. Associates should expect to travel to client communities across the country by plane, train, and car as part of our commitment to providing meaningful, on-the-ground representation.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RECRUITMENT

OKT may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process, such as organizing applications or identifying relevant qualifications. AI is not used to make hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by our hiring managers and Human Resources professionals.

Any AI tools used are subject to appropriate privacy, security, and risk assessments and are applied in a manner consistent with OKT's commitment to fairness, inclusion, and human-centred decision-making.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

OKT has implemented proactive recruitment strategies aimed at mitigating direct and systemic discrimination. We remain committed to an equitable hiring process that reaches and supports a diverse pool of candidates.

We are committed to open, honest, and inclusive recruitment practices and provide equitable opportunities to all applicants. OKT also supports applicants with disabilities by offering accommodations throughout the recruitment process that take individual accessibility needs into account.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process or need assistance to submit your application, please contact us at 416-981-9330 and ask to be transferred to the VP, of People & Marketing to submit your accommodation request.

DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, OKT invites applicants to complete a short, optional demographic survey. The information collected will help us assess and strengthen our EDI initiatives.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to provide information will not affect your application or how it is considered. All information will be kept confidential and secure and will be used solely for the purpose of evaluating OKT's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The survey should take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete.