Counsel, Claims Litigation

definity; Toronto; On-site; CAD 109,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Company share ownership

Incentive program

Pension and RRSP matching

Volunteer days

Tuition assistance

Inclusion programs

Wellness programs

Discounts on products and services

Job summary

Definity is seeking a Claims Litigation Counsel with 0-3 years of civil litigation experience to independently manage a diverse insurance-related caseload. Responsibilities include handling files from inception to resolution, attending discoveries, mediations, motions, and trials; developing litigation strategies; and negotiating settlements.

The role offers opportunities to work on accident benefits, bodily injury, property damage, and other subrogated claims, with a hybrid work arrangement and

Qualifications

• 0-3 years post-call experience in civil litigation; insurance litigation preferred.
• Experience in hearing, trial and contested motions is beneficial.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to independently manage a full caseload.

Responsibilities

• Independently carry tort and accident benefits litigation files from inception to trial or hearing.
• Coordinate with claims professionals and external experts; prepare court documents and settlements.
• Provide legal opinions and strategies; negotiate settlements and instruct witnesses and experts.
• Collaborate with senior counsel on complex cases and contribute to the Claims Litigation Unit.

Skills

Litigation experience

Insurance litigation

Advocacy

Negotiation

Written communication

Verbal communication

Case management

Attention to detail

Ethics

Education

Law Degree (LLB/JD)

Licensed to practice law in Ontario

Tools

Caselines

Word

Excel

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.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Claims Litigation Counsel in the range of 0-3 years of civil litigation experience to independently manage a diverse caseload of insurance-related litigation matters. This role is responsible for handling files from inception through to resolution, including attending discoveries, mediations, motions, case conferences, hearings, trials, and appeals; developing litigation strategies; providing legal opinions; negotiating settlements; and working closely with claims professionals and external experts.

The successful candidate will have experience managing litigation matters, have strong advocacy and negotiation skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the confidence to independently carry a full caseload. Experience in insurance litigation, property damage, construction, bodily injury, accident benefits or subrogation claims is preferred.

This position offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted legal advisor to Definity’s Claims team while contributing to the successful resolution of a broad range of litigation matters.

What to Expect

• Independent carriage of tort and accident benefits litigation files from inception to trial or hearing which includes: LAT and arbitration hearings both written and videoconference; Small Claims Court and Superior Court trials; interviewing and instructing witnesses and experts; motions; examinations for discovery; case conferences; mediations; preparing court documents; reviewing and analyzing evidence; client reporting; providing legal opinions and devising recommended strategies; negotiating settlements and drafting settlement documents; working with and delegating to support staff
• Working with senior counsel on more complex cases, trials and hearings
• Opportunity for a varied litigation practice including accident benefits, bodily injury, property damage, construction and subrogated claims, priority & loss transfer claims.
• Opportunity to contribute to Definity’s Claims Litigation Unit and Claims department via presentations, initiatives, special projects

What you Bring

• 0-3 years of post-call experience working in civil litigation, with preference given to insurance litigation with a law firm or in-house legal provider as well as those with some accident benefits experience
• Hearing, trial and contested motion experience is not required but will be preferred. The ideal candidate should have a keen interest in written and oral advocacy
• Experience handling a caseload of files with primary carriage; coordinating work on own files and senior lawyers’ files
• 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
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across a range of contexts
• Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills
• 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
• Confident and effective communication skills with Claims adjusters, insured clients, arbitrators, case managers
• Team player; ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues, support staff and managers
• 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

Salary Range

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

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 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.

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 [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 background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).