Legal Counsel

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. YVR’s Legal Services Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity and success of the organization. As trusted advisors, the team ensures that all operations align with legal and regulatory requirements, proactively manages risk, and protects YVR’s interests across a dynamic and evolving business landscape.

Position overview

Are you an expert in commercial leasing and general corporate law?

We are currently seeking a Legal Counsel for a full-time acting/term assignment through July 31, 2026. This role offers a unique opportunity to focus on commercial real estate within a dynamic airport environment. Reporting to the Director, Legal Services and Legal Counsel, you will collaborate closely with the leasing and land development teams to provide strategic legal guidance on a range of projects at YVR.

The Legal Counsel will be one of a team of 10-12 lawyers and support staff in the Legal Services Department. While there will be opportunities for this role to provide legal support on areas outside of real estate to various other internal departments, the main focus for this role is to provide legal advice and support to the commercial leasing and land development teams which manage the airport’s real estate assets within and outside the main terminal building. In addition to providing legal advice and support to the internal departments, the Legal Counsel will also be responsible for engaging and instructing external legal counsel which may be necessary from time to time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial real estate-related contracts, with a focus on lease and license agreements
• Review and advise on land use and land development initiatives
• Provide advice on compliance with legislation, internal policies and procedures, and risk management matters
• Identify and mitigate legal risk for YVR
• Work with and oversee the work of the Commercial Real Estate Contracts Clerk
• Work with YVR’s legal team (other legal counsel, paralegal and administrative assistant) on team initiatives 

Key qualifications include:

• At least three years of relevant experience at a corporate/commercial law firm or in-house legal department, supplemented by a LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent) and good standing with a Canadian Law Society
• Experience in commercial leasing and general corporate law; experience in land development is an asset
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage a variety of projects simultaneously and balance conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate legal advice in a clear and practical manner
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative and desire for continuous learning opportunities
• Demonstrate sound, pragmatic judgment with the ability to problem-solve and critically analyze situations

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring a welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an assessment process.

Salary Range : $119,680 to $179,520 per annum, based on 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications and internal equity. Performance-Based Incentive: Eligible for an annual bonus target of up to 15% of your annual salary.

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.