Legal Counsel - Employment, Compliance and Regulatory

About Us :

NVA Canada is a rapidly growing community of Canadian veterinary hospitals and passionate professionals dedicated to serving the local needs of pets and their owners in every province and one territory.

Since the first hospital joined NVA in 1997, founding veterinarian Dr. Stanley Creighton has emphasized support for the local medical standards established by individual doctors and practices.

This vision for local empowerment and servant leadership continues at NVA Canada. We are partners in possibility, providing supporting resources so the Canadian community can continue to grow and thrive.

Located in Oakville, Ontario, NVA Canada plays a central role within NVA's operations, serving as a key support center and driving the company's mission to support pet health and veterinary excellence across Canada.

Our supportive team operates with a focus on compassionate care, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and dedication to pet health.

As part of a thriving and expansive organization, NVA Canada is a place where professionals who are passionate about animal care and veterinary excellence can make a lasting impact.

Job Summary :

NVA Canada is seeking a versatile and proactive Legal Counsel to join our legal team, focusing on labour and employment, compliance and regulatory matters.

The ideal candidate is adaptable with a strong ability to navigate a wide array of legal issues, highly organized and solutions-oriented.

This key role within our Canadian support center provides an opportunity to work closely with senior leaders and directly contribute to NVA Canada's success.

Additionally, this position includes collaboration with NVA's U.S. legal teams and other business units, supporting cross-border initiatives.

This role allows the successful candidate the flexibility to explore focus areas within the company, develop specialized skills, and make a meaningful impact.

It is a hybrid position, offering remote work with occasional in-office days, balancing flexibility with team engagement and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities :

• Labour & Employment :
• Draft, review, and update employment agreements; develop templates and processes to promote consistency and compliance.
• Advise managers and HR on employment law matters throughout the employment lifecycle, including hiring, employee relations and terminations;

including working with our outside immigration counsel to support recruitment of foreign nationals.

• Provide guidance on statutory compliance issues, assist in HR-related investigations and manage responses to regulatory inquiries.
• Conduct training on employment law topics and contribute to multi-jurisdictional employment projects, including accommodation processes.
• Compliance :
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, internal policies and legal requirements, including privacy law matters.
• Assist in the maintenance of company-wide compliance programs, working with U.S.-based colleagues on cross-border compliance efforts.
• Regulatory Support :
• Support the company's regulatory requirements by staying informed on legal and veterinary regulatory updates and advising on their business impacts.
• Opportunity to build expertise in specific regulatory areas where individual interest and company needs align.
• General Corporate Support :
• Advise on a variety of corporate legal matters, including contract reviews, vendor agreements and support for M&A transactions.
• Prioritize projects in line with professional interests, allowing autonomy and career growth.
• Team Collaboration :
• Partner with internal teams (e.g., Human Resources, Operations, Finance) to ensure cohesive legal practices and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with multiple departments, with the opportunity to focus on areas aligned with career goals.
• Managing Outside Counsel Relationships
• Work with external counsel and communicate legal advice effectively across business units.

Qualifications :

• Education : Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Experience : Minimum of 5 years of legal experience, preferably in corporate or in-house roles focused on labour and employment, compliance or regulatory law.
• Bar Admission : Licensed to practice in Canada and in good standing with a Canadian law society.
• Skills : Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Excellent communication skills to facilitate coordination with internal teams, external partners and outside counsel.

Attributes : Self-driven, collaborative, and capable of sound decision-making under pressure. A proactive mindset with a willingness to explore new areas of impact within the company.

Join NVA Canada to make a substantial impact within a growing organization, working with a team that values your expertise and professional development.

What You Can Expect in Return :

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings matching programs.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth within a collaborative, fast-paced setting.
• Flexible working options, including a mostly remote hybrid model with occasional office attendance to foster team engagement.
• The flexibility to tailor your work focus and develop expertise in areas that are most meaningful to you and beneficial to the company.

At NVA Canada diversity and inclusion are an important part of our everyday reality.

We are committed to fostering an open and inclusive environment where everyone belongs, our people feel comfortable and confident to be themselves and reach their full potential regardless of age, race, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, marital and family status, religion or other belief, culture, sexual orientation, or disability.