Senior Claims Legal Counsel

Have you been Called to the Ontario Bar in the last 9 years? Are you looking for an exciting career? If so, we will support your career as a lawyer by making your engagement and happiness a priority. Your growth and success are key, you will be paired with a leader who is directly invested in your personal and professional development and your distinct career goals. You will never be alone - teamwork and collaboration are essential to what we do. Your efforts and achievements will be valued and celebrated by management and your peers. We are committed to creating an environment where you can be your best self! If you strive to be part of a team that focuses on and delivers exceptional client experience and superior legal services, come join our Property and Casualty Insurance Defense In-house Legal team. You’ll be part of a team of over 200 employees across 5 offices, including Toronto, Mississauga, Aurora, Ottawa, and Calgary. You will independently carry a case load of litigation files, from start to finish, involving the defense of auto claims, accident benefits, bodily injury, commercial lines, property, subrogation, and coverage work. As a Senior Claims Legal Counsel, you help protect the organization’s legal interests by ensuring it complies with all laws. You also play a key role in making sure that its rights are protected, and obligations are met. You help develop and recommend strategic directions and business positions. Your initiatives require extensive knowledge of your field.  Coordination is critical, so you frequently interact with stakeholders working in a wide range of other fields. Interpersonal savvy is therefore essential. You serve as expert advisor and subject matter expert, as well as resource person and coach for junior lawyers and other operational decision-making bodies.  Senior Legal Counsel will provide in-house litigation and other legal services regarding property and casualty insurance issues. All necessary activities relating to the conduct of the defence of accident benefits, bodily injury and/or property loss claims. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Conduct trials and arbitrations

• Provide mentorship to junior and intermediate counsel

• Assist junior and intermediate counsel at all stages of litigation

• Engage with junior and intermediate lawyers to identify needs

• To assist or assume carriage of a matter going to arbitration or trial in short order  

• Attend at examinations for discovery, motions and pre-trials, pre-arbitrations and mediations

• Research and prepare legal opinions on complex legal issues including but not limited to; coverage issues, liability and quantum of damages. Carriage of and responsibility for the delivery of cost effective and efficient resolutions of disputed claims

• Prepare pleadings and related materials

What we offer* 

• Competitive salary and annual bonus

• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement

• Group insurance including telemedicine

• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses  and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor's degree in Juris doctor, Laws or in a related field 

• A minimum of nine years of relevant experience

• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered

• Experience in Accident Benefits

• Experience Trial or arbitration

• Experience mentoring

• Experience in multiple lines of business

• Experience in training and teaching 

• Expert knowledge in The Rules of Civil Procedure, License Appeal Tribunal Rules of Practice and Procedure and The Insurance Act

• Expert knowledge in oral and written advocacy skills

• Expert proficiency of English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners, members and/or clients

Communicates effectively, Interpersonal Savvy, Persuades, Plans and aligns

#LI-Hybrid 

Trade Union (If applicable)

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

Job Family

Legal Affairs (FG)

Unposting Date

2025-03-11