Chief Legal Advisor – Mergers & Acquisitions

About the role

As the Chief Legal Advisor – Mergers & Acquisitions within the Legal Affairs team at National Bank, you will lead the legal side of strategic transactions that drive the bank’s growth. You will act as the primary legal counsel on complex deals, providing risk‑based advice, structuring guidance and negotiation support while working closely with senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead M&A and other strategic transactions from initial negotiations through closing as the primary legal advisor.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex transaction documents such as purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements and commercial contracts.
• Oversee legal due diligence, identify key risks and translate findings into pragmatic recommendations.
• Analyze business opportunities and contribute to structuring discussions.
• Advise business lines and senior stakeholders on legal, regulatory and reputational risks throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Strategy, Corporate Development and cross‑functional partners including Finance, Tax, HR and Investor Relations.
• Manage relationships with external counsel.

Required profile

• LL.B. or J.D. and 7‑10 years of relevant experience in private practice, in‑house counsel roles, or a combination thereof.
• Member in good standing of a Canadian law society.
• Proven experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal agreements.
• Ability to provide clear recommendations on legal, business and reputational risks.
• Strong judgment, curiosity, rigor and an ownership mindset.
• Fluency in English; French required only for candidates based in Quebec.

Required skills

• Artificial Intelligence

What we offer

• Hybrid work environment with flexible arrangements.
• Continuous development through personalized learning programs, Data Academy, language training, Harvard Learning Center, coaching and mentoring.
• Opportunities for internal mobility within a recognized legal advisory team.