Insurance Defence & Civil Litigation Lawyer (2+ Years Call) | Downtown Toronto, ON

Cartel Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cartel Inc. in Toronto is seeking an Insurance Defence & Civil Litigation Counsel with 2+ years post‑call.

The successful candidate will handle diverse insurance defence matters and civil litigation alongside leading counsel in a collaborative, growth‑minded firm. You will manage files from retention to trial, draft pleadings and briefs, conduct examinations for discovery, appear in court, and advise insurers and corporate clients.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in Ontario (LSO in good standing).
• 2+ years of post-call experience in insurance defence or broad civil litigation.
• Strong written and oral advocacy, and solid research skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain primary carriage of litigation files from retention to settlement or trial.
• Draft pleadings, motion records, legal opinions, and mediation briefs.
• Conduct examinations for discovery, cross‑examinations, and witness interviews.
• Appear before the Superior Court of Justice and at tribunals, pre‑trials, and case management conferences.
• Provide strategic counsel to insurers, risk managers, and corporate stakeholders.
• Retain and instruct experts and investigators as needed.
• Lead settlement negotiations and ADR proceedings.

Skills

Insurance defence

Civil litigation

Oral advocacy

Client engagement

Education

Law degree

Job description

Insurance Defence & Civil Litigation Lawyer (2+ Years Call) | Toronto, ON

A premier Ontario litigation boutique is expanding its Toronto office and seeking a sharp Insurance Defence & Civil Litigation Counsel. This role is designed for an ambitious litigator who thrives on hands‑on advocacy, direct client engagement, and managing complex dispute files alongside top‑tier counsel in a collaborative, growth‑focused firm.

You will represent leading insurers, corporate entities, and institutional clients across a diverse range of contentious matters, securing early file responsibility and frequent appearance opportunities.

Practice Scope & Case Portfolio

Associates drive files forward across the complete litigation lifecycle, executing strategy across several core practice areas:

• Core Insurance Defence & Tort: Personal injury, motor vehicle liability, LAT/SABs proceedings, occupiers’ liability, and property damage/recovery.
• Specialized & Professional Risk: Professional negligence defence, product liability, and commercial general liability (CGL) disputes.
• Coverage & Subrogation: Complex coverage analysis, drafting coverage opinions, indemnity disputes, and subrogation claims.
• General Commercial Litigation: Multi‑party civil disputes and corporate liability defence.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain primary carriage of litigation files from initial retention through settlement or trial.
• Draft pleadings, motion records, legal opinions, and detailed mediation briefs.
• Conduct examinations for discovery, cross‑examinations, and witness interviews.
• Appear before the Superior Court of Justice, tribunals, pre‑trials, case management conferences, and contested motions.
• Provide strategic counsel to claims adjusters, risk managers, and corporate stakeholders.
• Retain and instruct expert witnesses, investigators, and technical consultants.
• Lead settlement negotiations and represent clients in mediation and ADR proceedings.

Required Qualifications

• Licensing: Good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO).
• Experience: 2+ years of post-call experience dedicated to insurance defence or broad civil litigation.
• Procedural Command: Mastery of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and insurance dispute frameworks.
• Advocacy & Analysis: Excellent written advocacy, persuasive oral presentation, and rigorous legal research skills.
• Practice Management: Proven ability to manage a full file load independently with high organizational efficiency.

What Sets This Firm Apart

• High-Impact Advocacy: Direct courtroom, motion, and mediation exposure rather than back-office paper pushing.
• Structured Mentorship: Active partner access and clear pathways toward long-term practice development.
• Modern Work Framework: Flexible hybrid office/remote schedule promoting sustainable performance.
• Total Rewards: Competitive base compensation, performance bonus incentives, comprehensive health benefits, and CLE funding.