Counsel, Claims Litigation

Definity Financial$108K — $158K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law Degree from an accredited law school (LLB or Juris Doctor)
  • Licensed to practice as a lawyer in Alberta
  • 2+ years of civil litigation experience, preferably in insurance
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong negotiation and facilitation skills
  • Experience in handling complex claims and contested applications or appeals

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of civil and insurance litigation matters from start to resolution
  • Represent the organization in court, mediations, and appeals
  • Develop and implement litigation strategies and negotiate settlements
  • Provide legal advice to the Claims department
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and direct external experts
  • Contribute to claims litigation strategies and policies
  • Handle trials and contested applications, including client reporting

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule for most roles
  • Company share ownership program
  • Incentive program based on individual and company performance
  • Pension and savings programs with company-matched RRSP contributions
  • Paid volunteer days and matching on charitable donations
  • Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid study time
  • Focus on inclusion with various employee support initiatives
  • Wellness and recognition programs
  • Discounts on products and services
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Opportunity

This role is responsible for independently managing a broad portfolio of civil and insurance litigation matters from initial assignment through to resolution or trial. The successful candidate will represent the organization in court proceedings, mediations, examinations, and appeals, while developing litigation strategies, negotiating settlements, and providing legal advice to the Claims department.

The position offers exposure to a diverse litigation practice, including property damage, construction, commercial general liability, bodily injury, and subrogated claims. In addition to handling complex files, the lawyer will collaborate with internal stakeholders, direct external experts and vendors, contribute to claims litigation strategies and policies, and act as a trusted advisor on legal and claims-related matters.

The ideal candidate is a lawyer licensed in Alberta with at least two years of civil litigation experience, preferably in insurance litigation. They possess strong advocacy, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering effective legal solutions. Trial, appeal, and complex claims experience are considered strong assets.

What to Expect
  • Independent carriage of tort litigation files, which includes attending at trials and appeals, contested applications, preparing court documents, reviewing and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, conducting out-of-court examinations/questionings, acting in mediations or other ADR, engaging and instructing medical, financial and technical experts, surveillance and other third parties supporting litigation, client reporting and providing legal opinions and devising recommended strategies, negotiating settlements and drafting settlement documents, and working with and delegating to support staff
  • Opportunity for a varied litigation practice, including carriage of property damage, construction, commercial general liability, bodily injury and subrogated claims, from inception through to trial
  • Contribute to the development of overall Claims Litigation Unit strategies and policies
  • Play an advisory role to Definity's Claims department in relation to litigation strategy and claims litigation


What you Bring
  • Law Degree from an accredited law school (LLB or Juris Doctor)
  • Licensed by the Law Society of Alberta to practice as a lawyer in Alberta
  • 2+ years of post-call experience working in civil litigation, with preference given to insurance litigation with a law firm or in-house legal provider
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
  • A valid Alberta Motor Vehicle Operators License - Some travel within the province is required
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills across a range of contexts
  • Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills with a proven capability for effective presentation tools/methods
  • Sound judgment, with the ability to critically analyze situations, problem-solve, and deal with ambiguity and have the ability to provide meaningful advice and recommendations
  • Ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple, yet sometimes conflicting priorities
  • High degree of personal ethics, integrity and responsibility with an ability to deal with sensitive issues and safeguard confidential information
  • Experience handling complex claims, contested applications and/or appeals
  • The ideal candidate should have an interest in oral and written advocacy - Trial experience will be considered an asset
  • Assertiveness in practice, but reasonable and forthright
  • Team player, adaptable to a changing environment
  • This role requires clearance of a background check and disciplinary action check


Salary Range: $ 108,700 - $158,700

High degree of proficiency with English required to service customers, both internal to the company and external, across Canada.

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

Interested in this role, but don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn't need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We're actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren't just "nice to have" - they're essential to our success.

What's in it for you?
  • Hybrid work schedule for most roles
  • Company share ownership program
  • Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.
  • Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
  • Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
  • Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
  • Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
  • Wellness and recognition programs
  • Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot - you deserve it.

#LI-Hybrid

About Definity Financial

Definity Financial Careers

Joining Definity Financial presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of professionals in the financial services industry. This is a prime time for candidates to explore the diverse job opportunities at Definity Financial, a company renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and professional growth.

Explore Career Opportunities

Definity Financial is actively seeking talented individuals for various positions across the company. From entry-level roles to senior leadership positions, Definity Financial offers a dynamic work environment where career growth is encouraged and supported by comprehensive benefits and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Definity Financial, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of the company's operations. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the company forward in the competitive financial sector. Professional growth is facilitated through targeted training programs, leadership development opportunities, and active networking events that connect employees with industry leaders.

Cultivating a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Definity Financial is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where all team members feel valued and respected. The company believes that diversity fuels innovation and enhances the team's ability to address client needs effectively. Through comprehensive diversity training and inclusive hiring practices, Definity Financial ensures that all employees have the opportunity to succeed.

Internship Programs and Entry-Level Positions

For those starting their careers, Definity Financial offers robust internship and entry-level positions that provide hands-on experience in the financial sector. Interns at Definity Financial gain invaluable insights into the industry, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that have real-world impact.

Benefits and Employee Well-being

Employees at Definity Financial enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their health, well-being, and financial security. The company's benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that employees can balance professional and personal commitments effectively.

Join the Definity Financial Team

Definity Financial is hiring! Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The company is looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Whether you are refining your resume, preparing for an interview, or seeking to advance your career, Definity Financial offers a supportive environment where your ambitions can take flight.

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