Articling Student, Claims Litigation

Definity Financial Corporation; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Definity Financial Corporation offers an articling placement to provide practical legal experience within a supportive team. You’ll engage in professional responsibility, fact investigation, drafting, negotiation, and advocacy while contributing to ongoing litigation matters.

This 10-month program (work term 2027-2028) combines experiential training with mentorship, including motions, discoveries, settlements and pre-trial conferences.

Qualifications

• Coursework in Tort, Legal Research and Writing, Trial Advocacy and/or Mooting, Civil Procedure, Evidence, Insurance Law
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and writing skills

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in the litigation process as practicable.
• Prepare affidavits and develop a theory of the case.
• Conduct research on substantive and procedural issues.
• Assist with client and witness preparation for hearings and trials

Skills

Legal Research

Drafting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Independent worker

Education

Law degree (JD/LLB) or in progress

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

Work term: 2027-2028

Work term length: 10-months

From classroom to experiential training to career, every step of your journey has an impact on your future. That’s why it makes sense to choose an articling placement with a company that offers truly rewarding work and practical legal experience. At Definity®, your contributions, creativity, and energy will be put to good use, and you’ll get to be involved with initiatives that support our strategic goals and use your skills in a supportive team environment.

If you’re looking for a company that takes care of its people and has a track record of doing big things, get ready to love it here.

What We’re Looking For:

• High-quality work and ability to instill confidence in the lawyers with whom you work;
• Exceptional analytical, legal research, and document drafting skills;
• Superior communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently, handling numerous tasks and meeting multiple deadlines;
• Excellent time management skills and ability to decisively prioritize tasks and manage sometimes conflicting responsibilities;
• High levels of initiative, as well as visible enthusiasm and excitement for advocacy; and,
• The ideal candidate will desire challenging tasks and be flexible in terms of assignments.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Coursework in some or all of the following areas:
  • Tort
  • Legal Research and Writing
  • Trial Advocacy and/or Mooting Competition
  • Civil Procedure
  • Evidence
  • Insurance Law
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and PowerPoint

What You’ll Experience:

• Experiential training and mentorship in areas of:
  • Professional responsibility
  • Fact investigation and legal research
  • Drafting and legal writing
  • Negotiation
  • Advocacy
• Attendance and participation in as many aspects of the litigation process as practicable, including:
  • Preparing affidavits
  • Developing a theory of the case
  • Conducting research on substantive and procedural issues
  • Attending motions, examinations for discovery, settlement and negotiation conferences, and mediations
• Opportunities to assist with preparing clients and witnesses for LAT hearings and Superior Court trials and attendance at pre-trial conferences
• Direction in formulating and articulating well-reasoned legal arguments, analyses, and submissions
• Regular feedback and evaluations on a formal and informal basis to hone your skills and become a successful advocate

Your application should include:

• Cover letter and Resume
• Law school and post-secondary transcripts
• A short sample of your previous writing (no more than 10 pages double-spaced)
• References

Did you know?

• We care about our co-ops: Definity’s co-op students are considered the best pipeline of talent for our full-time, permanent positions.
• We care about students: Definity distributes $85,000 in scholarships to students across Canada each year.
• We care about our community: Definity donates more than $1 million every year to causes that drive true change in the neighborhoods in which we live and work.

What can Definity offer you?

• Meaningful work forwarding our purpose of building a better world by helping our clients and communities adapt and thrive in their hardest times of need.
• Culture of accountability, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Opportunities to support personal and professional growth through real-life experience and unique learning opportunities.
• Opportunity to join our employee groups - focused on women's empowerment, LGBTQ+, anti-racism and cultural equity, and environmental activism
• Determined to create positive change for our environment, our people, and our communities, now and in the future. Check ourESG work!

Application Deadline:

Midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026

Interview Process:

Successful candidates will be selected for interviews after October 2, 2026. Interviews will be held during the week of October 19, 2026.

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.

We also take potential into consideration. If you don’t have this exact experience, but you know you have what it takes, be sure to give us more insight through your application and cover letter.

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 [e-mail].

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

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