Senior Legal Counsel, Intellectual Property

AtkinsRéalis•Mississauga, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Toronto-based senior legal counsel to support and advise AtkinsRéalis’ global nuclear business and its Candu Energy business unit on the protection and commercialization of its intellectual property portfolio. Candu Energy is the OEM of Canada’s indigenous CANDU® pressurized heavy water nuclear reactor technology and specializes in the design and supply of nuclear reactors, as well as nuclear reactor products and services, both domestically and abroad. The transition to net zero and increasing demand for secure sources of energy have sparked a nuclear renaissance. AtkinsRéalis is uniquely placed to leverage its capabilities in responding to this call, be it in the spheres of nuclear new build (in respect of both conventional and small modular reactors), reactor operations and life extensions, as well as waste management and reactor decommissioning. We are pleased to welcome a pragmatic, business-minded lawyer into a permanent position within the legal team to help our growing business support innovation and to protect and maximize value of our growing portfolio of intellectual property rights. We are looking for someone who has experience working for a leading private practice law firm and/or who has relevant in-house legal experience in a similar role.

Requirements

Must be licensed to practice law in a Canadian jurisdiction.
At least 5 years of post-qualification experience gained at a leading private practice law firm or in-house practice in the field of intellectual property.
Ability to deal with in-house clients at all levels including the senior management of the organization.
Ability to work as part of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment on a wide range of topics.
Ability to address the business’ needs by providing commercial and legal solutions in a timely manner.
Ability to thrive in a close-knit team.
Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
Confident and pragmatic, solutions-focused negotiator.
Willingness to manage multiple files and adapt to changing priorities arising on domestic and international projects.
An interest in the nuclear power sector and the net zero transition.

Responsibilities

Acting as a business partner to AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear business, including its commercial and management teams with respect to intellectual property matters.
Advising upon the registration, protection and commercialization of patents, copyright and trademarks as well as trade secrets and confidential information.
Developing, implementing and supporting the operation of the company’s intellectual property management system.
Reviewing, negotiating and drafting intellectual property license agreements.
Collaborating with external counsel to administer the company’s existing patent portfolio.
Evaluating disputes and advising on dispute resolution strategy and managing the resolution of claims with the businesses, litigation team and external insurers.
Attending commercial meetings, gated risk reviews (bid go/no go) and other business reviews.
Assisting in the maintenance, development and drafting standard terms and conditions and policies, procedures and guidance notes.
Liaising with other corporate functions (Tax, Treasury, Insurance, Company Secretary, Integrity) to ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements.
Training colleagues within the business on intellectual property matters and recent developments.