In a changing world, unprecedented challenges require unmatched talent. Join one of Montreal's Top Employers in 2024. We are a dynamic and growing organization having its main establishment located in downtown Montreal and part of a leading international banking institution fully committed to building a more sustainable future. Note that the position may be in the Canadian Branch of BNP Paribas or in one of its subsidiaries based in Montreal. 

The position at a glance

The North America LEGAL department is based in New York/New Jersey and Montreal. The Americas General Counsel heads legal coverage for BNP Paribas CIB and Asset Management in North America. The team comprised of ~85 members of staff advise on a broad range of legal matters for the entities within its scope, including providing legal advice to management, business and the functions with respect to commercial and own account activities, and contributing to the Bank’s influence on applicable legislative or market wide regulatory initiatives. The team provides legal and regulatory watch and maintains a legal risk management framework, including associated procedures and controls.

The Digital & IP Americas LEGAL team, which is comprised of 3 team members supports BNPP’s main business lines (Global Markets, Global Banking, Financial Institutions, BP2S, ALMT, CIB Functions and Group Functions, including the IT & Sourcing Americas LEGAL team). They are also part of the Digital & IP LEGAL Platform, a global team of attorneys which is responsible for providing legal advice on the matters within its scope across all functions and métiers and in all regions and countries where such functions and métiers operate. The Digital & IP Platform is managed by a Global Manager, who is supported by appointed “Heads of Zone” and other “Global Transversal Leaders”. In the Americas, the Digital & IP Platform is comprised of lawyers across regions including the US, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and other Hispanic LATAM countries, sitting in the CIB business line as well as other BNPP Group business lines. This “Americas Zone” is managed by the “Head of Zone, Americas”, reporting into the Digital & IP Global Manager. The Digital & IP LEGAL Americas team, as part of the Platform, advises on cybersecurity, data, privacy, IP and emerging technology among other topics, including transformation and digitalization initiatives at BNP Paribas. This role will provide support on a range of topics within the scope of the Digital & IP Platform.  The role will require analysis and assistance in the provision of advice on data, privacy, cybersecurity,  existing and new technology including artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, crypto currency and intellectual property and will assist internal counsel in advising on legal risks while also supporting digital growth and innovation. This role also assists in the negotiation of these and related topics in third-party vendor contracting. They also assist internal counsel in monitoring changes to, and advising with respect to, all applicable laws (proposed and finalized).

In detail

The Assistant Vice President,  Digital & IP, Americas LEGAL position reports to, and performs under the immediate direction and supervision of the Head of IT & Sourcing LEGAL in Canada, in support of and further under the direction and supervision of the Head of Digital & IP, IT & Sourcing Americas LEGAL and Head of Zone, Americas, Digital & IP Platform in New York. This role provides support to internal counsel on coverage of all data, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, new and existing technology including artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital assets, crypto currency and other related legal matters in the Americas. This role also assists in the negotiation of these and related topics in third-party vendor contracting, and acts as an interface with the Head of the IT & Sourcing Americas LEGAL Team in Canada which also reports to the Head of Digital & IP, IT & Sourcing Americas LEGAL in New York. Additionally, the role will support in monitoring and addressing key global CIB matters, with a particular focus on their impact on Canada and the US.

The Assistant Vice President, Digital & IP, Americas LEGAL role involves the following key responsibilities:  

• Providing high quality, efficient support for internal counsel with respect to all data, privacy, digital, cybersecurity, IP, emerging technology such as AI, blockchain, digital assets, crypto currency and other related legal matters to BNPP’s main business lines for the Americas.
• Supporting the Digital & IP Legal Americas Platform team on a day to day basis and representing the Platform in the Americas.
• Providing support in regular reporting to the local and regional Legal management on matters within the scope of the Digital & IP Legal team, including but not limited to current and anticipated risks, regulatory updates, business and territory requirements and work in progress.
• Acting as a proactive ambassador of the Digital & IP Platform.
• Supporting counsel on the impact of laws, regulation and guidance within the expertise scope of the Digital & IP Legal team.
• Suggesting new initiatives and projects and contributing to regional and Platform strategy including ideas for efficiencies, process improvements or anything that could help improve daily work and legal risk management in particular.
• Communicating with all clients regularly, maintaining strong relationships.
• Keeping up to date with legal and regulatory developments relating to technology and data privacy.
• Periodically providing European time-zone support and attending European time-zone meetings.

The strengths and skills that will help you succeed

• Bachelor degree in Law is required. 
• Minimum 3 years of legal experience required. 
• Current license to practice law in Canada or United States is preferred. 
• Prior experience in a law firm and/or an in-house legal department for a large global company strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage several sensitive or urgent issues at one time, interact effectively, and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines. 
• Efficient problem solver with strong diplomacy skills, a global thinker and demonstrated collaborator who displays sound and pragmatic judgment.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to successfully work with internal stakeholders and colleagues to contribute ideas, identify opportunities, and contribute to correct outcomes across multiple regions, business lines and time zones.
• Good time management and prioritization skills, self-sufficient and ability to operate comfortably in an environment with limited administrative support.
• Skill in reviewing and analyzing complex information and data.
• Excellent oral/written advocacy and corporate communications skills.
• Given the vast majority of our clients, both internal and external, are based outside of Quebec and Canada, ability to work in a professional capacity in English is required. Bilingualism in French or Spanish is beneficial. 

What’s in it for you

In addition to competitive compensation, we offer flexible benefits including a family and spouse insurance program, a defined contribution pension plan and paid days for volunteering. Hybrid work arrangements, such as remote working two (2) days per week and flexible working hours are available for most positions. BNP Paribas provides excellent training and personal development programs, as well as opportunities for career development within the company and internationally.

To find out more about our range of benefits, click here

What you need to know

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) at the heart of our commitments

At BNP Paribas all employees are on an equal footing allowing us to create a work environment that values and respects people for their talents, skills and competences.

BNP Paribas recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, and other protected status (Employment Equity Act and Canadian Human Right Act).

To learn more about our DE&I commitments, click here

About us

BNP Paribas is the top bank in the European Union and a major international banking establishment. Present in 63 countries, with more than 180,000 employees, the bank holds key positions in several areas of banking and financial services.

BNP Paribas’ mission is to contribute to a responsible and sustainable economy by financing and advising its clients according to the highest ethical standards, while striving to respond to essential concerns in terms of the environment, regional development and social inclusion.

Since 1961, BNP Paribas has supported large Canadian companies and institutions in their business development by offering a full range of specialized financial services and investment products.

With over 1,400 employees, BNP Paribas in Canada continues to attract experts from diverse fields as well as ambitious young talent from around the world. We are proud to offer our employees a rewarding and international workplace where they can build their professional careers by honing their skills, meeting challenges and enriching their knowledge of the financial industry.

Our certifications and partnerships

• Montreal’s Top Employers 2024
• Canada’s Best Diversity Employers 2024
• Women in Governance  – Parity certified -  Platinum certification
• Pride at Work Canada
• Rainbow Accreditation issued by Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
• Part of Les Affaires top 300 companies in Quebec
• Synclusiv
• Ready, Willing and Able 
• Autisme sans Limites 
• LinkedIn Top Companies 2024

Do you want to discover other BNP Paribas offers in Canada?

Click here: BNP Paribas in Canada | Our job offers

** Only selected applications that meet the requirements of the role will be contacted **