Bilingual (Fr/En) Legal Counsel, Litigation

Permanent Full Time 

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We're looking for a Litigation Counsel (Montreal)

The Canada Life Assurance Company has an exciting opportunity for a Litigation Counsel to join its Canadian litigation team. This is an excellent opportunity for a bilingual junior litigator to join the Montreal office and build a rewarding practice with one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.

Reporting to the Managing Counsel, Litigation, this role offers an opportunity to develop a broad in-house litigation practice within one of Canada's leading insurance organizations. Working closely with business partners, you will provide strategic legal advice and representation on a wide variety of litigation, risk management, and business matters.

As part of this dynamic team, you will focus on a wide range of life, health, and disability insurance matters. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of files from their earliest stages through resolution while developing your advocacy, negotiation, and strategic advisory skills. Working closely with business leaders, external counsel, and other stakeholders across Canada, you will play a meaningful role in resolving complex legal issues primarily for matter based in Quebec and maintaining the trust our customers place in Canada Life.

What you will do  

• Managing a diverse portfolio of Quebec-based litigation matters with the opportunity to assume carriage of files from inception through resolution
• Providing timely advice, opinions, and representation to our business partners on pre-litigation and litigation matters
• Conducting and attending examinations, mediations, settlement conferences, and court appearances
• Drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, settlement agreements, and other documentation throughout the life cycle of a litigation file
• Contributing to strategic initiatives that support the business we serve and enhance the effectiveness, capabilities, and efficiency of the litigation function
• Building strong relationships through regular collaboration with business partners and participation in team meetings
• Preparing and delivering presentations and training sessions on litigation-related topics and emerging legal developments 

What you will bring

• Law degree and membership in good standing with the Barreau du Québec
• Willingness to obtain one or more additional provincial calls to the bar as needed in future; additional calls are considered an asset
• 3 to 5 years of civil litigation experience, ideally including insurance-related litigation (an asset), gained in private practice or in-house
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both French and English with a practical solution-oriented approach and the ability to use clear, plain language
• Bilingualism (fluent in French and English) required, as the position will regularly serve our clients with English and French-speaking need
• Thorough understanding and up-to-date knowledge of court procedures
• Knowledge of life & health insurance products and/or the financial services industry an asset
• Excellent judgment, with the ability to identify key issues and provide an independent view to management in a clear and practical manner
• Self-motivated and effective working both independently and in a team setting
• Strong ability to self-manage, prioritize, organize work and meet deadlines
• Ability to focus, analyze and produce work that requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, in a deadline driven environment
• Experience practising with virtual litigation tools and techniques
• Advanced ability to effectively use MS Office programs and other role-related technology
• Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada  website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life

This position will be located in the Montreal head office and follows a hybrid work model, with an in-office presence required three days per week.

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The base salary for this position is between $130,800 - $180,800 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life 

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.  

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you! 

What we offer:  

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member: 

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. 

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. 

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.  

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. 

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!  
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.  

Learn more about Canada Life.  

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact  talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.  

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. 

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