Legal Counsel

Vanguard Investments Canada Inc. (Vanguard Canada) is seeking a talented and energetic lawyer to join the legal team in our Toronto office as Legal Counsel. You will be responsible for providing legal advice and support across a broad range of investment and enterprise matters to Vanguard Canada, an asset manager which specializes in manufacturing and distributing exchange traded funds whose core purpose is to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance of investment success.

You will deliver expert and experienced legal support to Vanguard's Canadian business, operations and corporate affairs, with a focus on its investment fund manager and portfolio manager, including:

• Creating new products with a focus on mutual funds and ETFs
• Maintaining existing products
• Drafting documents, including prospectuses, material contracts, regulatory applications, and filings in support of the creation and continuous distribution of Vanguard Canada’s products
• Drafting and negotiating agreements, including investment management agreements, sub-advisor agreements, and dealer agreements
• Supporting distribution
• Advising on a wide array of new and existing securities laws and regulatory initiatives, including compliance with National Instrument 81-102 Investment Funds
• Identifying risks and implementing appropriate actions to mitigate them
• Building effective relationships and collaborating with internal/external stakeholders
• Instructing and managing external legal counsel
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed
• Supporting and collaborating with legal and compliance teams and other partners across the organization in relation to a broad range of investment and enterprise matters
• Being a key contributor to the Office of the General Counsel Group and Vanguard-wide initiatives and projects
• Generally assisting on other legal matters as they arise

Responsibilities

• Drafting and translating legal documents and correspondence. Developing and preparing materials for meetings. May meet with the business to provide advice on regulatory developments and legal activities.
• Assisting with the review and resolution of day-to-day operational, risk, and legal issues arising in the business, including interpretation of legal documentation, policy and procedure issues, and contractual disputes.
• Conducting independent research, investigation, and analysis to support legal activities and contribute to the resolution of legal claims.
• Investigating and aggregating resources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, articles, and legal codes to support the preparation of legal documents and contracts.
• Generating necessary reporting and leading the maintenance of legal databases.
• Developing expertise in applicable areas of the law, Vanguard's business and products, and the investment industry. Staying abreast of industry and regulatory developments affecting Vanguard.
• Participating in special projects and performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years related work experience, legal and regulatory experience in the financial services and/or asset management industry preferred.
• LL.B. degree required
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.