Junior Claims Legal Counsel

Desjardins Group; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and annual bonus

4 weeks flexible vacation starting in

Defined benefit pension plan

Group insurance including telemedicine

Health and wellness expense reimburse

Job summary

Desjardins Group is seeking an experienced in-house lawyer for its Property and Casualty Insurance Defence team. You will independently manage a full case load from inception to resolution, assessing liability and damages for claims partners, and drafting opinions, pleadings, and motions.

You will lead Examinations for Discovery and attend LAT hearings, arbitrations, and court proceedings. The role emphasizes collaboration, client service excellence, and contribution to a high-performing team

Qualifications

• > You must have a Juris Doctor or equivalent law degree and be called to the Ontario Bar.
• > Minimum five years of relevant experience in civil litigation or insurance defence.
• > Experience with trials and arbitrations.
• > Experience with Accident Benefits and Bodily Injury Insurance.
• > In good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• > Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a case load from start to finish.
• Provide assessments on liability and quantum of damages to claims partners.
• Draft opinions, pleadings and motions.
• Conduct Examinations for Discovery.
• Attend case conferences, LAT hearings/arbitrations and court appearances.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and client service excellence.

Skills

Case management

Litigation experience

Legal drafting

Discovery

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent

Job description

Come join our Property and Casualty Insurance Defence In-house Legal team of over 200 employees across 5 offices, including Toronto, Mississauga, Aurora, Ottawa, and Calgary. Independently carry a case load of litigation files, from start to finish, involving the defence of auto claims, accident benefits, bodily injury, commercial lines, property, subrogation, and coverage work. We will support your career as a lawyer by making your engagement and happiness a priority. Your growth and success are key - you will be paired with a leader who is directly invested in your personal and professional development and your distinct career goals. You will never be alone - teamwork and collaboration are essential to what we do. Your efforts and achievements will be valued and celebrated by management and your peers. We are committed to creating an environment where you can be your best self! You don’t work at Desjardins. You grow with Desjardins. We don’t offer you a job, we offer you job satisfaction! At Desjardins, work life balance is not just a concept – it is honoured and encouraged.

More specifically, you will be required to:

• You’re skilled at independently carrying a case load of files, from start to finish
• You’re able to provide assessments to our claims partners on liability and quantum of damages
• You excel at drafting opinions, pleadings, and motions
• You enjoy conducting Examinations for Discovery
• You take charge when attending case-conferences, Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) hearings/arbitrations as well as Court for motions, pre-trials and trials
• You are passionate and interested in sharing and contributing to the growth of legal knowledge with your colleagues
• You strive to be part of a team that focuses on and delivers exceptional client experience and superior legal services

What we offer

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria. #LI-Hybrid, #ONCJ09

What we bring to the table

• Bachelor's degree in law, Juris Doctor or in a related field
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Experience with trials and/or arbitrations
• Experience with Accident Benefits and Bodily Injury Insurance
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Action oriented, Collaborates, Customer Focus, Differences, Interpersonal Savvy, Nimble learning, Persuades, Plans and aligns
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion.

We’re committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all.

At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

Trade Union (If applicable) Job Family Legal Affairs (FG)

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in North America. We’re the choice for over 52,000 employees and we’re named one of Canada's top employers by Mediacorp and Forbes.

We offer a full range of financial products and services and share our expertise in personal services, business services, wealth management, life and health insurance, and property and casualty insurance.

Pursuing a career at Desjardins means being part of an organization that puts people first.