Senior Counsel, Litigation

Permanent Full Time 

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Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President and Senior Counsel, Litigation you will be a key member of the Canadian Litigation and Employment group, providing practical and timely legal representation and advice to our business partners across Canada. Your primary focus will be on long-term disability litigation and related life and health insurance disputes with a focus on cases in Western Canada.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on complex and meaningful litigation matters that directly impact our customers, business operations, and legal strategy. You will work closely with internal business partners and external counsel.

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in Winnipeg, London (Ontario) or Toronto.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a highly accomplished team of legal professionals supporting one of Canada's leading financial services organizations.

Accountabilities:

• Contribute as a senior member of the Canadian Legal team by bringing legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a collaborative work ethic to deliver practical business solutions.
• Provide legal opinions, advice, recommendations, and representation on matters affecting the Company, with a primary focus on long-term disability litigation and life and health insurance disputes.
• Manage a portfolio of litigation matters, including assessment of legal risk, development of litigation strategy, and oversight of file resolution.
• Draft pleadings, briefs, settlement documents, mediation materials, and other litigation-related documentation.
• Attend and represent the Company at mediations, arbitrations, discoveries, judicial settlement conferences, and court proceedings where appropriate.
• Periodically, instruct and manage external counsel retained in connection with litigation matters across Canada.
• Advise business leaders and claims partners on emerging legal developments, litigation trends, and risk management strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Legal and business functions to support enterprise-wide projects and initiatives.
• Mentor and share expertise with other members of the Legal team.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Law degree and membership in good standing with a Canadian law society.
• Call to the Bar in Ontario or Manitoba required, call to the Bar or willingness to be called in British Columbia is an asset.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant litigation experience gained in private practice, in-house, or a combination of both.
• Significant experience managing long-term disability litigation and disability insurance disputes.
• Experience with life and health insurance litigation is strongly preferred.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and practically.
• Superior drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to assess legal and business risk and provide practical, solution-oriented advice.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience handling complex and evolving legal issues.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience working with virtual litigation tools and technologies.

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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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