Senior Corporate Legal Counsel

OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan); Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) is seeking an in-house counsel to join their corporate legal team. The ideal candidate will support contract management and provide legal advice on compliance and regulatory matters. This role requires a JD/LLB and significant experience in a corporate legal setting, advocating for risk management and effective communication. OTIP offers a supportive work environment that values employee contributions.

Benefits

Rewarding salary and bonuses

100% coverage of group benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Flexible work-from-home and hybrid options

100% reimbursement for continuing education

Opportunities for advancement

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience as in-house counsel, preferably in corporate financial services or insurance.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and compliance.
• Ability to communicate complex legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review various legal agreements ensuring compliance.
• Negotiate terms with vendors and service providers.
• Conduct legal research on regulatory requirements across Canadian jurisdictions.

Skills

Contract Lifecycle Management

Strong Communication Skills

Risk Management

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Education

JD or LLB from an accredited law school

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Company Description

Who We Are

With every job, there’s always the question of “why”. Why join a company? Why be part of their mission? Here, the why is easy. It’s because at some point, we’ve all needed someone there for us.

At the OTIP Group of Companies (OGC), we believe that something special happens when employees feel valued for the work they do, supported as the people they are, and included in the very fabric of the organization: they bring their best to work every day. And that's why we mean it when we say we put our people at the centre of everything we do. Join us as we grow our way into a future that reimagines what it means to deliver meaningful benefits support and service.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, you’ll be a key member of the corporate legal team providing practical advice to leadership and internal business partners on a wide range of risks. You will be relied upon to solve complex legal issues and proactively manage risks associated with third-party contracts, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

The Core Parts Of Your Role Will Be To

• Prepare, analyze and review a variety of legal agreements, including NDAs, MSAs, vendor agreements, lease agreements and service contracts, etc., ensuring compliance with legal standards and company policies.
• Negotiate contract terms with partners, vendors and service providers to identify and mitigate potential risks and achieve favourable outcomes, protecting OGC’s interests.
• Liase with cross-functional teams such as vendor management, third party risk management and privacy, to support contract lifecycle management.
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries or guidance on insurance regulations, licensing, and compliance issues across Canadian jurisdictions that impact OGC, advising on risks and the most appropriate response or action.
• Monitor and maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements related to OGC, such as individual insurance products, group health benefits, employment law, AI, and privacy law and advise on regulatory requirements and developments. Communicate important legal updates and processes across teams in clear and concise language.
• Conduct legal review of internal policies, and business initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance
• Oversee corporate law compliance and governance matters, providing expert legal advice and risk management guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Work collaboratively with business partners and internal stakeholders to provide practical, risk-based legal advice on a wide range of matters.
• Oversee the legal process, including management of outside counsel as necessary when external legal expertise is required, ensuring high-quality service and cost-effectiveness.
• Contribute to internal knowledge resources and support continuous improvement of legal workflows.
• Manage, coach and develop members of the legal services team.
  
  

Qualifications

Let’s Talk About You:

This is the unique blend of skills and experience we would love to see in an ideal candidate:

• A JD or LLB from an accredited law school and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum 5-10 years’ experience as in-house counsel. Experience in a corporate financial services and/or insurance company would be considered an asset.
• Proven experience in contract lifecycle management, drafting, review and negotiation.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and prioritize work effectively by taking a risk-based approach.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate legal advice clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to engage and influence others with confidence, build solid working relationships and work as a team player.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and commitment to accuracy with experience addressing multiple projects.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.
  
  

We also consider your potential. If you know you have what it takes to do the job, but your experience doesn’t exactly match the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply and provide us with more details about why you think you would be a great fit.

Additional Information

Some Of The Perks We Offer

We offer best-in-class pension and benefits, total reward programs and comprehensive mental wellness supports to set you up for every success in and outside of work. Here are just some of the reasons you’ll love working here:

• Rewarding salary and bonuses that truly value your dedication
• Industry-leading group benefits with 100% premium coverage (excluding LTD) that start on your first day
• Defined benefit pension plan for a financially confident retirement
• 100% coverage of approved continuing education and licensing fees (including RIBO courses in Ontario)
• Flexible work-from-home and hybrid options
• Unlock your potential with opportunities for advancement
  
  

Let’s work together! If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online.

OTIP and its group of companies strive to create an accessible and inclusive work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Upon individual request, we will endeavor to remove any barrier to the recruitment and selection processes and provide accommodations for persons with disabilities.

As a business, we protect what matters most to our members. As an employer, we value what matters most in our workplace. Together, this includes fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to learning and evolving so we can continue to celebrate what makes us special. You are who you are, and our differences are what make us unique.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.