Assistant General Counsel

Oliver James; Canada; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James seeks an experienced Assistant General Counsel to lead the Canadian legal and compliance function within a specialty insurance environment. The role offers autonomy and visibility to shape the legal infrastructure while supporting growth in the Canadian market.

The successful candidate will advise on insurance regulation, licensing, corporate governance, and commercial matters. fluency in English is required; French is a plus. In-house experience in Canadian insurance is essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified to practice law in Canada.
• Significant in-house experience in the Canadian insurance industry.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian insurance regulation and licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal and compliance function for Canadian operations.
• Oversee insurance licensing frameworks and regulatory obligations.
• Advise on federal and provincial insurance legislation and commercial agreements.
• Negotiate and review material commercial contracts.
• Act as primary legal contact for regulatory authorities and executives.
• Support corporate transactions and cross-border initiatives.

Skills

Insurance law

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiations

Leadership

Education

Licensed to practice law in Canada

Job description

The client is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to lead the Canadian legal and compliance function within a specialty insurance environment. This role is designed for an experienced insurance lawyer who will take ownership of a broad legal and regulatory portfolio, playing a pivotal role in shaping the legal and compliance infrastructure of a growing Canadian business. The position offers significant visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to influence business strategy while supporting continued growth in the Canadian specialty insurance market.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary legal and regulatory adviser for Canadian operations, providing strategic, commercially focused guidance across insurance regulation, licensing, corporate governance, commercial matters, and business operations. Key responsibilities include leading the legal and compliance function, overseeing insurance licensing frameworks, advising on federal and provincial insurance legislation, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, and acting as a key legal contact for regulatory authorities. The role also involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure legal and regulatory considerations are embedded into commercial decision-making and supporting strategic projects such as corporate transactions and cross-border initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be qualified to practice law in Canada and possess significant in-house legal experience within the Canadian insurance industry. A deep knowledge of Canadian insurance regulation, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations is essential, along with experience in managing legal and compliance professionals. Strong commercial contracting, corporate advisory, and regulatory engagement skills are required, as well as the confidence to advise executive leadership and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Fluency in English is necessary, and business-level French would be considered an asset.