Senior Legal Counsel, Contracts and Litigation Management

Company Overview

Founded in 1978, C.A.T. North America is a leading trucking company serving North America through nine divisions and more than 25 terminals. It provides intra-Canada, U.S.–Canada cross-border, U.S. domestic, and northern and southern Mexico transportation services.

With 1,600 power units, 4,300 trailers, and over 10,000 logistics partners, the company delivers customized transportation solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Its commitment to service, safety, innovation, and sustainability has earned industry recognition as Best Fleet to Drive For (2023) and as one of the Best Managed Companies for seven consecutive years.

Senior Legal Counsel, Contracts and Litigation Management – Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC – LinkedIn

Job Type

• Permanent, Full-time
• Monday- Friday

Location

• 11 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal Affairs, the Senior Legal Counsel acts as a strategic partner supporting brokerage, sales, finance, and divisional teams across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The role contributes to transformation initiatives and mergers and acquisitions transactions and works closely with Legal, Finance, Risk Management, Operations, and Safety to ensure regulatory compliance and protect corporate interests.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong experience managing complex multi-jurisdictional matters, excellent analytical skills, strong leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Provide legal support to internal divisions
• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements (LOIs, leases, brokerage and transportation contracts, secured financing instruments, and other commercial agreements)
• Develop contract terms balancing risk management and business needs
• Improve standard-form contracts
• Manage disputes and implement risk mitigation strategies
• Train internal stakeholders
• Support strategic business objectives
• Occasional travel required

Litigation Management

• Develop litigation management guidelines
• Manage external legal fee budgets
• Strategically oversee complex matters
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to safeguard corporate interests
• Provide proactive, business-oriented legal advice
• Monitor relevant legal developments

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory changes
• Train internal teams on compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Member in good standing of a Canadian provincial/territorial bar or a U.S. state bar (preferably Quebec and/or New York)
• Civil law and/or common law degree (asset)
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in commercial law, transactional law, or complex commercial litigation
• Strong leadership and business judgment
• Excellent English drafting skills
• Fully bilingual (French/English; 95%+ English-speaking clientele)
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced international environment
• Flexibility for extended hours and travel
• Transportation/logistics industry experience (asset)

*The bilingualism requirement is necessary because more than 95% of the business clientele served is English-speaking.

Benefits

• Dental care
• Life Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off
• On-site parking
• Wellness program
• RRSP Plan