Junior Legal Counsel

This is a Full Time Job

We are currently hiring for the position of:

JUNIOR LEGAL COUNSEL, BUSINESS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS

Reporting to Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs, support the delivery of legal services and process management across the organization. This role assists in managing day-to-day legal matters, including contract review, legal research, legal compliance, and risk mitigation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Draft and review business terms, agreements, templates, and precedents which include: sponsors/partners, government and foundations, philanthropists/donors, suppliers, vendors, IT, artists/performers/talent/rights holders
• Support risk management by conducting legal research and preparing briefing notes, memos, and recommendations for Senior Director, Business & Legal Affairs and other internal groups;
• Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments and prepare summaries of potential impacts and any required changes or updates;
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and updating legal templates, precedents, policies, terms and conditions, and internal practices;
• Support compliance initiatives, including policy development, training, and risk assessments;
• Assist with the management of internal processes, contract databases, document tracking, and legal records;
• Contribute to the resolving of legal queries and matters affecting the organization, including copyrights and trademarks, litigation, and dispute resolution, marketing and advertising (including contests and compliance with Canada's anti-spam law), privacy, and corporate/charitable governance;
• Work with department leads to support business initiatives with timely legal input;
• Oversee general contract administration and deal process management.

TARGET CONTRACT DATES:
• April 13, 2026 – April 12, 2027

WORK LOCATION:
• Office Location: 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
• Weekly in-office requirements:
• Minimum 2 days (November to April)
• Minimum 3 days (May to October)
• Festival Office Requirements: Full Time during Festival

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario;
• Two to four years of relevant legal experience gained from a law firm or in-house legal department (experience in the following areas of law is considered an asset: entertainment, intellectual property, corporate/commercial law);
• Experience working or volunteering in the arts, cultural, and/or non-profit sector is considered an asset;
• Skills include:
• Legal drafting, research and writing with the ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, actionable advice, and direction;
• Attention to detail with the ability to spot legal and commercial risks;
• Organizational and project management with the ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal groups and Senior Director, Business & Legal Affairs;
• Problem solving and innovation, while taking a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to adapt legal advice to practical realities;
• Strong professional judgment, discretion, analytical thinking, and project responsibility/ownership;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment;
• Balance multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting internal and external deadlines.

HOW TO SUBMIT & APPLICATION DEADLINE:
• All applications must be submitted online through TIFF’s Career Centre.
• Please upload your cover letter and resumé as PDF(s), before the deadline of March 18, 2026.

CLOSING:

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted.

Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time. TIFF regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas; however, TIFF considers and welcomes individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position. For consideration to those on time-limited Visa status, your Visa must allow you to complete the full contract.

Please send any questions via e-mail only to careers@tiff.net.