Join a Challenger
At EQB, we're remaking banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Serving nearly 4 million Canadians from coast to coast, we offer a wide variety of financial services from banking and lending, to trust and credit union solutions.
We've been at this since 1970, challenging the conventions of traditional banking with smarter, faster, and more connected financial experiences.
What's kept us moving? The people behind it all: challengers who ask better questions, push back on old assumptions, and look for a better way forward.
If you're driven to help reshape how banking works for Canadians and the businesses that power our economy, this could be your next big opportunity.
We can’t wait to get to know you!
The Work
Reporting to the Senior Director, Legal – Commercial Banking, the successful candidate will provide strategic legal support primarily to the Commercial Banking division, advising on a broad range of legal matters including commercial lending transactions, regulatory compliance and risk management, new product development and corporate initiatives, and assisting with customer issues. The successful candidate will be a proactive legal advisor with expertise in commercial banking and real estate lending, capable of identifying and managing complex legal issues, and partnering with cross-functional teams and business units.
As Senior Counsel, you will help preserve the Bank’s reputation for integrity and work with the Bank’s stakeholders to support policies and procedures that meet regulatory requirements, and maintain cooperative relationships with governmental policymakers, and regulatory and self-regulatory agencies that govern the Bank’s businesses.
The Core Responsibilities!
- Provide legal analysis and transactional support, including the review, preparation and negotiation of agreements and documentation, and providing advice on complex issues with an emphasis on commercial real estate and secured lending
- Working closely with the Bank’s Originations, Credit and Underwriting, Portfolio Management and Special Loans (Defaults) teams, provide advice on deal structuring, intercreditor arrangements, taking effective security, and ensuring the Bank’s interests are protected
- Provide timely and accurate responses to questions from internal stakeholders and business partners to facilitate transactions within predetermined timeframes
- Assist with internal governance, policy development, and training initiatives to promote legal awareness, risk mitigation and a culture of compliance
- Support new product development and strategic initiatives by identifying legal implications and ensuring compliance with applicable laws
- Research substantial legal issues and federal and provincial legislation to evaluate implications for the Bank, and undertake special projects as required
- Proactively identify emerging issues and legal trends, and evaluate the legal risks to the Bank for escalation to management as necessary
- Maintain proximity to applicable industry and market trends in Canadian finance, commercial real estate and project development, and participate in industry groups
- Work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and manage multiple deadlines and priorities
- Work with minimal supervision and exercise excellent judgment on complex, confidential and sensitive decisions
- Contribute to the development of precedents, commercial templates, playbooks and best practices for business initiatives to streamline internal processes and minimize reliance on external counsel
- Direct and oversee external counsel to ensure cost-effectiveness and high-quality service
Let's Talk About You!
- Graduate of a recognized law school (L.L.B. or J.D.)
- Called to the Ontario Bar/Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
- 4-6 years of post-call experience in private practice or in-house, preferably in a financial institution with a focus on commercial banking or financial services
- Strong knowledge of Canadian banking laws, lending practices, and regulatory frameworks
- Comprehensive knowledge of commercial real estate law and real estate financing. Experience with CMHC insured loan transactions would be an asset
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Strategic thinker, collaborative and proactive mindset, and excellent interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with insolvency law and proceedings would be an asset
- Proficiency in French would be an asset
- Demonstrated reliability and integrity
#LI-Hybrid #LIFullTime
What we offer [For full-time permanent roles]
💰 Competitive discretionary bonus
✨ Market leading RRSP match program
🩺 Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits
📝 Employee Share Purchase Plan
👶🏽 Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one
🏝 Generous vacation policy and personal days
🖥 Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues
🎓 Professional development and comprehensive Career Development program
💛 A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience
The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from EQ Bank’s additional office space located at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
EQ is committed to building an inclusive, accessible environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe our organization is stronger — and our people thrive — when we honour and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives. We’re equally committed to supporting your growth, both professionally and personally.
We provide a barrier‑free recruitment process and work environment. If you require accommodations at any stage, we will work with you to ensure you can bring your best self to the process and beyond.
As part of our recruitment process, EQ uses AI to help screen, assess, and/or select applicants for this position. All AI-enabled outputs are reviewed and validated by our talent team. All candidates considered for hire must successfully complete a criminal background check and credit check. While we appreciate every application, an EQ recruiter will contact only those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.
EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is the parent company of Equitable Bank, the country's seventh-largest Schedule I bank by assets, which operates EQ Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank™. EQB Inc. serves nearly 4 million Canadians and manages approximately $150 billion in combined assets under management and administration.
To learn more, visit eqb.investorroom.com and eqbank.ca.
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