Counsel, Claims Litigation - #195759

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.

Claims Litigation Counsel

What can you expect in this role?

• Independent carriage of tort litigation files, which includes attending at trials and appeals, contested motions, cross-examinations, examinations for discovery and mediations, 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, bodily injury and subrogated claims, from inception through to trial
• Play an advisory role to Definity’s Claims department in relation to litigation strategy and claims litigation
  
  
  

What do you bring to the role?

• At least 2-7 years of post-call experience working in civil litigation, with preference given to insurance litigation with a law firm or in-house legal provider
• Experience handling complex claims, contested motions and/or appeals
• Trial experience is not required but will be preferred. The ideal candidate should have an interest in oral and written advocacy
• Experience with complex matters while handling a full caseload with primary carriage
• Experience handling property damage, construction, and/or subrogated claims is an asset
• High degree of personal ethics, integrity, and responsibility with an ability to deal with sensitive issues and safeguard confidential information
• Assertiveness in practice, but reasonable and forthright
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills across a range of contexts
• Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills with a proven capacity for effective presentation tools/methods
• Sound judgement, with the ability to critically analyze situations, problem-solve and deal with ambiguity and have the ability to provide meaningful advice and recommendations
• Team player, adaptable to a changing environment
• Ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines and handle conflicting priorities
• Comfortable with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Caselines and practice management systems
• Law Degree from an accredited law school (LLB or Juris Doctor)
• Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to practice law as a lawyer in Ontario
• This role requires clearance of a background check and disciplinary action check
  
  
  

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

Salary Range: $80,700 - $163,300

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
• 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
  
  
  

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.  In addition to base pay, 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.

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.

It's better here — but don't take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work as one of the Best Workplaces in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).