As an in-house corporate counsel, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing legal matters relating to our Engineering and Capital Infrastructure Group.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, including NDAs, LOIs, consultant agreements, purchasing agreements, and design and construction contracts for infrastructure projects.
- Provide legal guidance on matters related to capital project structuring and delivery, procurement, bonding, insurance, and land development and acquisition.
- Assist in standard contract and template development and preparation.
- Provide legal guidance on procurement strategy, procurement processes, and solicitation documentation.
- Work closely with other departments to identify manage and mitigate legal risk.
- Research and stay abreast of applicable laws, precedents, and regulations relating to the business operations of the utility.
- Review, draft, and update Halifax Water policies as appropriate.
- Provide legal opinions and advice regarding business transactions and guide the utility to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
- Assist and provide general legal guidance to the utility as required.
- Under the direction of the General Counsel, manage dispute resolution processes, including mediation, pre-action protocol, legal proceedings and litigation.
- Under the direction of the General Counsel, provide advice and direction to the Halifax Water Board on issues of governance and other issues as needed.
- Partner with regulatory affairs to submit timely applications to the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board.
- Partner with procurement and engineering teams to enhance processes and deliver pragmatic solutions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Reports to: General Counsel
Minimum Qualifications
Corporate Counsel I
Education:
- Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized common law school.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas of practice: commercial transactions, construction or real estate law.
Corporate Counsel II
Education:
- Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a recognized common law school.
Experience:
- A minimum of 4 years’ experience as a practicing lawyer.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas of practice: commercial transactions, construction, or real estate.
- Prior experience in construction, and large infrastructure project delivery is considered a strong asset.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
- Is a member in good standing or is eligible for membership in the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
- Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:
- First Aid
- Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)
- Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirements
- Strong understanding of Nova Scotia construction law, project finance, municipal planning processes and real estate transactions.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong work ethic and commitment to promoting respect, ethics and integrity within the utility.
- Knowledge of legislation and regulations related to Halifax Water and utilities.
- Ability to work extended hours in emergent situations.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Legal Analysis
- Negotiation skills.
- Proficient in legal research.
- Technology and software knowledge.
- Time management and organization.
- Excellent client relationship and customer service skills.
- Values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The salary band for this non-union position is Band 9 ($95,021 to $118,776 annually) for Corporate Counsel I and Band 10 ($107,486 to $134,358 annually) for Corporate Counsel II.
Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW25-183 must be received by 4:30 p.m., December 13, 2025. Please forward to:
- Halifax Water
HR Department
P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
Halifax, NS
B3K 5M1
Fax
-
902-490-6934
Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.
Conditional Items Required for Employment:
- Satisfactory background check
- Satisfactory pre-employment testing
Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.
Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.