Company: CGL
Department: P&C Litigation
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Language: English is required, French is an asset
Additional Information: These roles are currently vacant.
The Opportunity:We are a leading Canadian financial services cooperative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society and our team is essential to deliver on this strategy. That's why we prioritize our people, to ensure we provide a strong culture and development opportunities which enables our team to thrive and to live our purpose. The best part is that you will work with people that care passionately about you, our clients, and our communities.
As Senior Counsel, Property & Casualty (P&C) Litigation, you will be responsible for the day-to-day file handling of the highest level complexity of accident benefits, auto, bodily injury and/or property matters (or a mixture thereof) on behalf of The Co-operators group of companies (The Co-operators) or its insured clients. You will take a lead role within the department and provide advice to management and senior management in the specific functional area you work in, as required. You will also provide general legal advice, training, guidance and direction to agents, insured clients, and staff of The Co-operators. Further, you will support the AVPs and VP, General Counsel, P&C Litigation on higher complexity claims litigation files or projects, as necessary.
How you will create impact:- Commensurate with your experience, successfully handle all aspects of claims litigation from initial referral to resolution.
- Work in collaboration with your Claims colleagues to successfully resolve claims litigation by providing assessments, opinions, legal research and attending case conferences, examinations for discoveries, examinations under oath, mediations, motions, appeals, pre-trials, hearings and trials and other tribunal or Court attendances, as necessary.
- Travel as needed for claims litigation files.
- Proactively provide advice, direction and recommendations on non-file related legal issues.
- Identify issues which need to be brought to the attention of, or require the involvement of the AVPs, or VP, General Counsel, P&C Litigation, or other stakeholders.
- Provide general legal and other advice and guidance on a broad range of topics related to all facets of the business of The Co-operators Group Ltd (CGL) and its subsidiaries, with a particular focus on the core area of legal expertise.
- Provide training and support to claims personnel as well as supporting the AVPs on more complicated claims litigation.
- Provide mentorship to the Law Clerks, Counsel and Associate Senior Counsel, as necessary.
- Recommend improvements and changes in process to reduce financial and legal exposure.
How you will succeed:- You have an innovative mindset to improve operational efficiencies and ability to influence change, with a primary focus on client needs.
- You use critical thinking skills to recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments, draw conclusions, and proactively propose solutions.
- You have strong communication skills to clearly convey messages and explore diverse points of view.
- You build trusting relationships and provide guidance to support the development of colleagues.
To join our team:- You have a minimum of 10 years of insurance defence or plaintiff personal injury experience (15+ years of experience preferred) and appropriate trial and/or hearing experience.
- You have a Law Degree (LLB, JD or comparable).
- You are a member of the body regulating lawyers in the province of Ontario.
- You have a strong ability to think critically, to present information effectively and collaborate effectively.
- You have excellent communication abilities (particularly drafting), both technical and plain English and can interact effectively with all levels of the organization, particularly senior management.
- You have effective negotiation skills combined with a keen attention to detail.
- You can read and understand case laws and statuses.
- You have the ability to service clients in or around the Province.
- Prior experience as in-house counsel would be an asset.
What you need to know:- You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.
- You will have direct contact with clients and service providers.
- You have a valid driver's license and insurance and have your own vehicle or have access to one.
What's in it for you?- Training and development opportunities to grow your career.
- Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.
- A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.
- Paid volunteer days to give back to your community.
- In addition to our competitive salary and incentive programs, eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package including group retirement savings plans, pension and benefits (e.g., health and wellness, dental, disability and life coverage), mental health support and an employee assistance program.
