Insurance Defence Lawyer

Minted Search Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental benefits

Three weeks’ vacation

CPD support

Holiday office closure

Career progression mentorship

Job summary

Minted Search Group in Hamilton, Ontario, is assisting a well-established law firm seeking an Insurance Defence Litigation Associate (2024 Call or Earlier) to join a growing litigation team. The role offers meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and regular advocacy opportunities while managing files with increasing independence.

The successful candidate will have a 2024 or earlier Ontario Bar admission, strong drafting and advocacy skills, and experience in civil or insurance defence

Qualifications

• Admission to the Ontario Bar (2024 or earlier).
• Experience in insurance defence or civil litigation is required.
• Strong drafting, analytical and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage files independently while collaborating with a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage insurance defence litigation files from commencement through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motion materials, affidavits, mediation briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct examinations for discovery, attend mediations, pre-trials, motions, and court appearances.
• Advise insurer clients on litigation strategy, liability, damages, and risk assessment.
• Prepare witnesses/clients for discoveries, mediations, and trial, and maintain client communications.

Skills

Insurance defence

Litigation

Drafting & advocacy

Client communication

File management

Education

Ontario Bar admission

Job description

Insurance Defence Litigation Associate (2024 Call or Earlier)

About the Firm

Our client is a well-established Hamilton law firm with a highly regarded insurance defence practice representing leading insurers, self-insured organizations, municipalities, and institutional clients. The firm’s litigation team is known for delivering practical, strategic advocacy across a broad range of insurance disputes while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for its lawyers. With several senior partners approaching retirement, this is an excellent opportunity to join a stable practice with strong long-term growth potential.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an Insurance Defence Litigation Associate (2024 Call or Earlier) to join its growing litigation group following the departure of an associate moving in-house. The successful candidate will work on a sophisticated insurance defence practice with meaningful responsibility, direct client contact, and regular advocacy opportunities while managing files with increasing independence.

The practice spans a wide variety of insurance-related disputes, providing broad exposure to litigation matters from initial investigation through trial.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage insurance defence litigation files from commencement through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motion materials, affidavits, mediation briefs, and other litigation documents.
• Conduct examinations for discovery, attend mediations, pre-trials, motions, and court appearances.
• Advise insurer clients on litigation strategy, liability, damages, and risk assessment.
• Work collaboratively with senior lawyers on complex litigation matters.
• Prepare witnesses and clients for discoveries, mediations, and trial.
• Maintain regular communication with insurer clients, adjusters, and experts.
• Deliver practical, timely, and business-focused legal advice.

Qualifications

• Called to the Ontario Bar in 2024 or earlier.
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Experience in insurance defence litigation, civil litigation, or a related litigation practice.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Experience preparing motion materials, attending discoveries, mediations, and court appearances.
• Ability to independently manage files while working collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and client service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Practice Areas

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of insurance litigation matters, including:

• Bodily injury claims
• General liability
• Property losses
• Institutional liability
• Accident and disability claims
• Life insurance claims
• Fraud and special investigations
• Product liability
• First-party disputes
• Coverage issues
• Competitive compensation based on year of call.
• Salary paid on a transparent year-of-call scale.
• Senior associates may be eligible for an enhanced performance-based bonus program tied to collected fees.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Three weeks’ vacation, plus office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Continuing professional development support and Law Society dues.
• Clear opportunities for advancement within a stable and growing litigation practice.
• Collegial, team-oriented litigation group.
• Reasonable billable hour expectations that vary by year of call, including approximately:
• 2024 Call: 1,300 billable hours
• 2023 Call: 1,400 billable hours
• 2022 Call and earlier: 1,450 billable hours
• Exposure to sophisticated insurance defence files and a diverse client base.
• Opportunity for meaningful courtroom experience, mentorship, and long-term career progression.

About Minted Search Group

Minted Search Group partners with boutique and mid-sized law firms and private companies across Canada and the U.S. We take a candidate-first approach, providing thoughtful guidance, transparent communication, and opportunities that align with each lawyer’s long-term career goals.

Website: www.mintedsearchgroup.com

LinkedIn: Minted Search Group on LinkedIn