Senior Counsel, Commercial Litigation

Permanent Full Time 

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Reporting to the Vice-President and Associate General Counsel, Litigation & Employment, you will be a key member of the Canadian Litigation group and support our Canadian business units by providing practical advice to our business partners in respect of a range of civil litigation risks in the corporate, commercial and/or securities space. The role is intended to be dynamic, with the successful candidate offering support to teams within the legal department as well as in our lines of business on a variety of commercial litigation issues. The role provides an opportunity to work in an exciting and busy environment, while gaining exposure to a range of stakeholders and leaders both within Canada Life Legal and across the organization.

What you will do:

This is a senior role on the litigation team and will involve managing complex commercial litigation and regulatory enforcement matters from all lines of the Canadian business.

• Provide best in class litigation advice that is integrated with the strategies and objectives of the business and consistent with the enterprise-wide risk policy.
• Identifying key legal risks and mitigation strategies, while ensuring awareness among relevant stakeholders and other members of the Canada Life Legal team.
• ·       Manage external counsel in all aspects of litigation at all levels of court in Ontario and other provinces to develop and implement strategy for the resolution of litigation. Please note that this role does not involve direct, in-court advocacy.
• Provide advice to other members of the Legal Department and the applicable lines of business with respect to pre-litigation dispute resolution and litigation risk analysis.
• Manage privileged internal investigations and provide legal advice to relevant stakeholders on privilege and best practices.
• Provide regular oral and written reporting to senior members of the Litigation Department and other control groups, business executives and various risk committees.
• Provide guidance and training to business and legal partners through presentations on best practices, developments in the law, and emerging risk areas.
• Support development and/or implementation of policies, procedures, and solutions that mitigate risk and enable the achievement of business/enterprise priorities.
• Work closely with other control groups. Build and maintain positive working relationships by effectively communicating and regularly sharing information, learnings, and knowledge with internal and external business partners.
• Contribute to high priority special projects and other Legal Department initiatives.

What you will bring:

• Law Degree, Member of the Law Society of Ontario (required) and in another provincial bar (an asset)
• Possesses 7+ years of relevant experience in civil/commercial litigation with a law firm, in-house (preferably at a complex financial institution) or a financial services regulator
• Experience litigating large, complex civil and/or regulatory matters in the corporate, commercial, and/or securities space. Securities-related litigation or banking litigation experience considered an asset.
• Advanced ability to identify problems and barriers, and effectively implement solutions to further business strategy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience simplifying and resolving complex problems
• Solid collaboration and teambuilding skills yet sufficiently self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Flexibility to adapt to changing and ambiguous initiatives or requirements
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present issues with clarity to key stakeholders and/or senior management in all business and functional areas in writing and verbally
• Excellent judgment, with the ability to identify key issues and provide an independent view to management in a clear and practical manner
• Highly focused with attention to detail, ability to self-manage, prioritize, organize work, and meet deadlines
• Superior organizational and time management skills with experience addressing multiple projects

Please note that this position may require travel.

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

Canada Life serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations. 

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential. 

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

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

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