In-House Lawyer – Residential Mortgage Closings

In-House Lawyer – Residential Mortgage Closings

Location: Canada (Hybrid / Remote Considered)

Type: Full‑Time, In‑House

Reports to: Senior Leadership / Internal Legal Function

In-House Lawyer – Residential Mortgage Closings Job Responsibilities

Transaction Management

• Review and approve residential mortgage commitment letters, loan agreements, and related security documentation prior to closing
• Conduct or supervise title searches and resolve title defects, encumbrances, or outstanding liens prior to funding
• Prepare, review, and execute closing packages including charge/mortgage documents, title insurance commitments, and solicitor's undertakings
• Coordinate closing logistics with borrowers, brokers, real estate agents, and lender representatives to ensure timely and accurate fundings
• Manage trust account disbursements in compliance with Law Society rules and lender instructions

Legal Compliance & Risk

• Ensure all mortgage transactions comply with applicable provincial legislation (e.g., Mortgages Act, Land Registration Reform Act, Land Titles Act) and CMI's internal lending policies
• Identify and escalate fraud indicators, title irregularities, or unusual transaction structures
• Review and respond to solicitor's reports, outstanding conditions, and post-closing deficiencies
• Maintain compliance with FINTRAC obligations including client identification and suspicious transaction reporting
• Advise underwriting and operations on legal risk issues arising during the closing process

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate closing files and ensure timely registration of charges on title through Teraview or applicable provincial land registry systems
• Track and report on closing volumes, funding timelines, and post-closing cure items
• Prepare standard form precedents and closing checklists; update as legislation or policy changes
• Support audits and due diligence requests from institutional lenders or warehouse facilities

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Work closely with underwriting, funding, and default management teams to resolve closing-side issues efficiently
• Provide legal guidance to operations staff on transaction-specific questions
• Assist in developing and refining internal closing policies, procedures, and training materials
• Liaise with external counsel, title insurers (e.g., FCT, Stewart, Chicago Title), and land registry offices as needed

Professional Obligations

• Maintain good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (or applicable provincial bar)
• Adhere to Law Society rules governing trust accounts, conflicts of interest, and independent legal advice

Compensation: Salary: $160,000-$190,000, Annual Bonus: $20,000-$30,000. Signing Bonus minimum $10,000

This is a new role with CMI Financial Group

Complete required CPD and stay current on legislative and regulatory developments affecting residential mortgage lending

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $160,000.00-$190,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Work from home

Work Location: Remote