Legal Counsel - Regulatory & Litigation

Drive your Career!

We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To build, market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen.

We are currently looking for a Legal Counsel, Regulatory & Litigation at our Corporate Offices in Ajax, ON

Volkswagen Group Canada is seeking a highly motivated, and agile lawyer to join a dynamic legal team at an exciting time of transformation in our industry.The essence of this role is to be a trusted legal advisor to the business on cutting edge regulatory and legal topics as the auto industry moves to a more connected, automated and electric future

Reporting to the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, the successful candidate will assist the General Counsel in guiding and directing the representation of Volkswagen Group Canada and its Canadian affiliates before all legislative, administrative, executive and judicial bodies in service and parts, regulatory, safety and consumer protection matters.

• This is a flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the Ajax office**

Primary Responsibilities

Under the direction of the General Counsel, advising on topics such:Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Environmental laws and regulations, Trade regulation, Transportation of goods, Electrification matters, and Insurance regulatory matters.

Regulatory Compliance Advice – 40%

• Collaborate with relevant counterparts in legal departments in the United States, Europe and Mexico, and supervising, as necessary, outside counsel and others on above mentioned topics
• Interact with internal product safety technical staff and support responsible business units in matters related to compliance with local Canadian laws and regulations
• Providing counsel on electrification matters, transportation of dangerous goods and the compliant import (and if applicable, export) of vehicles and parts
• Provide counsel on proposed communications to Canadian regulators including but not limited to Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Advising on insurance regulatory matters (such as but not limited to contemplated new after-sales protection product offerings)
• Support the Company on any regulatory enforcement activities in a collaborative, fair and ethical manner
• Serve as Canadian legal liaison as it relates to Transport Canada compliance verification and enforcement, defect investigations, and safety recalls

Litigation Advice – 40%

• Review and continuous process improvements re: customer complaint handling & relevant documentation requirements
• Interact with internal technical staff and external counsel, as necessary, on strategy and execution of litigation on these topics in various Canadian jurisdictions
• Advise business on consumer product liability related complaint and potential goodwill resolutions
• Advise the Company in connection with automotive consumer litigation, including strategy and supervision with outside counsel with respect to class actions, customer actions, and small claims to ensure consistency and factual representations by VGCA
• Co-ordinate with outside counsel in respect of administration and implementation of any settlement terms

Publication Review – 10%

• Review and comment on technical publications, recall notices, owner’s manuals, and other customer-facing materials from regulatory, litigation, and safety perspectives

New Legislation & Administrative Rulemaking – 5%

• Advise the Company on the evolving legislative landscape in conjunction with the Global Automakers of Canada

Risk Management – 5%

• Advise the Company on risk management and prevention, including support of product development, testing, and marketing

Primary Location

Canada-Ontario-Ajax

• Ability to work independently and as part of team (with a flexible, versatile and collaborative nature)
• 4+ years practicing as a regulatory advisor and/or litigator at a large law firm and/or in-house environment
• Strong organizational skills
• Occasional travel domestically & internationally (~5%)
• Flexibility to work according to business demand
• French language skills are considered an asset.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication skills - interpersonal and written
• Experience advising on automotive matters is considered an asset
• Bachelor’s degree, J.D. or LL.B and admitted to practice law in Ontario

What You’ll Get In Return

• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community
• Competitive employer paid benefits, pension and overall compensation package
• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic
• Opportunities for development
• And much more

Interested applicants are asked to submit their application by August 4, 2023 .

• Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Additional information: Volkswagen Group Canada is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during all phases of the hiring process including the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate accommodation. .