The incumbent reports to the Director of Contracts and Legal Affairs and works closely with her on all legal matters affecting the contractual obligations of the Montreal Port Authority (“MPA”), particularly in connection with the Contrecoeur Terminal expansion project (the “Project”).

In this capacity, the Senior Legal Counsel acts both as a business partner to internal departments and as a key player in the prevention, management, and resolution of disputes, including representing the MPA on certain committees when required.


This person will be responsible for:

  • Advise and support management, project teams, and business units on legal, commercial, and strategic issues related to the Project, including APM’s operations, contracts, and development projects.
  • Participate in dispute prevention and management, including risk analysis, strategy development, and the formulation of legal recommendations.
  • Actively participate in the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation of project-related contracts (main contract, subcontracts, professional services agreements, supplier contracts, consortium or partnership agreements, etc.).
  • Identify and analyze contractual risks and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Analyze and review expert reports; participate in hearings, trials, or arbitrations.
  • Support technical and commercial teams in day-to-day contract management (notices, claims, contract amendments, disputes).
  • Draft, analyze, and review notices, formal demands, and other correspondence necessary to protect the APM’s rights and interests, including notices of claims, disputes, mediation, or arbitration.
  • Participate in settlement discussions, including settlement conferences and mediation processes.
  • Establish rigorous contractual processes and ensure compliance with internal policies.
  • Coordinate, as needed, mandates assigned to external legal counsel.
  • Monitor and analyze laws, regulations, and court decisions that impact the Project’s
  • activities and, more broadly, those of the APM.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Legal Affairs Department’s processes.


Skills Required for This Position:

  • Organize work effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Think conceptually while remaining focused on practical solutions.
  • Be internally customer-focused and committed to business collaboration.
  • Communicate clearly and credibly with various stakeholders.
  • Foster consensus and maintain lasting professional relationships.
  • Navigate effectively in complex and evolving environments.
  • Demonstrate initiative, autonomy, thoroughness, and team spirit.
 

Qualifications :

  • Bachelor’s degree in law and membership in the Quebec Bar;
  • Seven (7) to ten (10) years of relevant experience in litigation and commercial law and/or construction law, gained in a law firm or in-house legal department;
  • Experience managing and negotiating complex contracts in the context of infrastructure or construction projects. Strong understanding of contractual mechanisms (claims, changes, risk management, contract interpretation).
  • Experience in managing and resolving contractual disputes.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English.
  • Strong negotiation and strategic analysis skills.
  • Professional integrity, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary environment;
  • Occasional availability for travel as required by projects.
  • Interpersonal skills.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Analytical mindset and ability to provide practical solutions to the APM’s needs.