WARDS LAWYERS ^PC is a progressive, mid-size law firm located in the heart of the City of Kawartha Lakes. We have an opportunity for a dynamic, passionate, and driven Business & Corporate Lawyer to join our growing team.

Our Business & Corporate Practice:

Our Firm services business clients of all types and sizes, including family-run, farming, retail, manufacturing, professional, construction, service, franchise, supply, resource management, and non-profit.

We offer expertise and services to support all stages and aspects of business, including:

• Incorporation, Restructuring, Dissolution
• Shareholder / Partnership Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding
• Succession / Transition and Growth Planning and Implementation
• Third Party Acquisitions or Sales (Asset Purchase and Share Purchase)
• Employee Share Option Programs
• Implementation of strategic partnerships, joint ventures
• Contract Drafting, Contract Reviews
• Shareholder Disputes / Negotiated Buyouts
• Corporate Maintenance / Governance/Rectification of Corporate Records
• Family Trust Implementation, Maintenance, Wind-Up

 Roles and Responsibilities:

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work both independently and to assist senior counsel as required.

This is an excellent opportunity to be exposed to a variety of complex and challenging work, with the benefit of mentorship by experienced counsel, including:

• Providing legal advice and counsel to clients with respect to a variety of corporate and commercial matters
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of corporate agreements, such as shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, and licensing agreements
• Conducting legal research and staying updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends affecting corporate clients
• Representing clients in negotiations, mediations, and other dispute resolution processes
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective legal support and representation for clients
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date legal documentation and records
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, counsel and other professionals, and actively participating in business development efforts for the Firm

Qualifications and Skills:

This opportunity is most suited for lawyers with 2 to 3 years of related post-call experience that wish to gain valuable experience and continue to develop their expertise, while maintaining a work-life balance only available in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

You will work efficiently under pressure, while maintaining an excellent standard of performance and client service. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, have exceptional attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

You will be comfortable with technology tools, including having a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook. Experience with practice management software and/or electronic Minute Book software is an asset.

Compensation:

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and/or ability. Group benefits and a health spending account are available. This is an in-office position. Hybrid work options may be available.

About WARDS LAWYERS ^PC:

Established in 2003 by founders Jason and Karissa Ward, we are a full-service law firm offering expertise in civil litigation, employment, family law, real estate, business and corporate, estate planning and administration, personal injury and criminal law.

We pride ourselves on offering a pleasant and diverse working environment. Our team approach offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced and highly skilled legal professionals. Our commitment to quality and best practices is supported by technological innovation that benefits both our team and our clients.

We also have a deep commitment to our community, initiating events to support local charitable organizations, including Haunt Your Home, a Halloween house decorating contest which raised over $30,000 for local non-profit organizations over several years, as well a Kids’ Road Hockey Tournament, which raised funds to support youth mental health in our community.

Our dedication to community engagement also extends to:

• Encouraging and facilitating community volunteer opportunities
• Supporting staff initiatives in the workplace in support of local organizations
• Sponsorship of a variety of youth sports teams and organizations
• Hosting community educational events, publishing weekly legal blogs and broadcasting a monthly legal podcast
• Encouraging staff and lawyer participation on community Boards and Committees supporting local not-for-profit organizations

Application Instructions:

Please respond, in confidence, to: Melissa Wemyss, C.E.O. (melissa@wardlegal.ca)

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted directly. No telephone inquiries or agencies, please.

At WARDS LAWYERS ^PC, we believe that great lawyers begin with great mentorship. As an articling student, you’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse practice areas, working alongside seasoned counsel who are genuinely committed to your professional growth. You’ll join a culture of collaboration, support, and meaningful responsibility from day one. If you’re driven, curious, and ready to build your legal foundation in a firm that values both excellence and connection, we want to hear from you.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to our C.E.O., Melissa Wemyss (melissa@wardlegal.ca). Please ensure your application highlights your academic achievements, relevant experience, and why you’re excited to article with WARDS LAWYERS ^PC.