Lead Counsel in Ottawa

Application deadline: November 2, 2026 at 12:00PM ET

Join the EDC Team! At EDC, we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets, reduce risks, all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade.

Location: Export Development Canada operates under a hybrid work model, with employees currently required to work from the office three days per week. This role can be performed from EDC’s headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs located in Toronto or Montreal. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

About EDC: At Export Development Canada (EDC), we empower Canadian businesses to succeed globally. As a financial Crown corporation, we offer innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help businesses explore new markets, mitigate risks, and achieve growth.

Why Join EDC?

• Comprehensive Benefits: EDC offers a competitive compensation & benefits package, work-life balance, & the opportunity to help make Canada and the world better through trade.
• Work-Life Balance: EDC offers a competitive compensation package & work-life balance. We have hybrid work options, 3 to 4 weeks paid vacation, a corporate closure period, summer early Fridays & no meeting Fridays.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of our continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops and language training.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions employment equity & values diversity of ideas, strengths, & backgrounds to succeed.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives, mental health support, and fitness programs to keep you healthy and happy.
• Community Engagement: Participate in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community through our various social responsibility programs.

Team Overview: EDC is seeking a team and solution-oriented transactional corporate, commercial lawyer to join its Legal Services division. The successful candidate will join a team of approximately 30 lawyers who provide a wide range of legal services to the Corporation. EDC’s Legal Services is a dynamic, client-oriented environment, supporting EDC’s range of activities and services. Legal Services provides legal representation and assistance for all of its product offerings including loans, investments and insurance transactions and knowledge business products. As well, the team supports EDC’s corporate function including its procurement and marketing activities. The successful candidate will become a member of the EDC Legal Services group and specifically the Lending and Investments team which provides advice to the Corporation in relation to its activities—both on origination and back-office functions-- in the areas of corporate lending including project finance. The lawyer would also be expected to support and advise other areas within EDC Legal Services, as needed.

What you will be doing: The responsibilities for the position relate to a variety of tasks representing transaction and non-transactional work, as well as knowledge and relationship management. Key responsibilities would include the following, but lawyers are expected to handle a broad range of business needs that may not be fully summarized below:

• Involvement in all aspects of an undertaking from the development and structuring of a transaction to the negotiation and documenting of the arrangement.
• Identify issues in file matters requiring consideration of appropriate risk mitigation measures and corporate perspective and knowledge.
• Draft legal documentation.
• Involvement in asset management matters (waivers, consents and amendments) relating to financing products.
• Provide legal advice on various matters of law pertaining to the activities of EDC, such as EDC's rights and obligations under EDC contracts, interpretation of internal documentation and policies in areas of specialty, advice on authorization and compliance requirements, including interpreting the Export Development Act, the Financial Administration Act and other relevant statutes.
• Retain and supervise the services of outside counsel (both foreign and domestic).
• Review and comment on outside counsel's documents and advice, relating to undertakings in which the Corporation is or proposes to become involved.
• Proactively support the Corporation, the legal and business teams through collaboration and teamwork.

What we are looking for:

• Undergraduate degree in Law.
• Applicants must be licensed by a Canadian provincial bar and in good standing to practice law as a barrister and solicitor in any Canadian province or territory.
• A minimum of 7 (Legal Services 19) or 10 (Legal Services 20) years of relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including strong drafting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage a high volume of tasks and transactions effectively and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of legal services principles and practices.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong creative and critical thinking skills to apply to a variety of complex issues and to provide advanced solutions.
• Proactive lawyering and risk mitigation skills acquired in a commercially oriented, dynamic environment.
• Strong judgment and decision-making qualities, and collaborative in soliciting the input of others, both within the legal team and outside the team where appropriate.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills to deal with conflicting and complex areas.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Strong planning and project management skills.

What will make you stand out:

• Bilingual (English & French).

Eligibility: EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. Internal applicants must also meet EDC's eligibility criteria for applying to internal opportunities.

Ready to make a difference? This is your chance to join a dynamic, growing team and leave your mark on our organization, development finance, and the world.

EDC's Commitment to Employment Equity: Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At EDC, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves. We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants' interest in a career at EDC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC. EDC recognizes that disclosing the need for accommodations can be a personal matter. Please know that as an organization, we are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that any accommodations provided are tailored to support your needs. Our aim is to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience throughout the recruitment process, so please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any accommodation requests at accessibility@edc.ca. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Privacy Notice: By applying for this job you acknowledge that you have read and understood EDC’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants, which outlines how we collect, use, retain, and safeguard personal information during the recruitment process, as well as your rights of access and correction.