Senior Counsel, Canada

Gallagher; London; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian corporate firm is seeking a Canadian Legal Lead to guide legal strategies across Canada. The ideal candidate will have a law degree, be bilingual, and possess at least 10 years of experience in corporate law and dispute management. This position offers competitive compensation and a variety of benefits, including health coverage and retirement savings options.

Benefits

Flexible medical & dental coverage

Life, Dependent Life, and AD&D Insurance

Retirement savings including RRSP with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Educational expense reimbursement

Discounted gym membership

Paid sick days & personal days

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience at a major Canadian law firm or in-house legal department.
• Must be barred in the Canadian province from which they work.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for Gallagher Benefit Services in Canada.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes and oversee outside counsel.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures.

Skills

Contract review

Negotiation

Canadian corporate law

Dispute management

Bilingual proficiency (English and French)

Problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Business acumen

Education

Law degree from a recognized Canadian law school

Job description

Overview

The Canadian Legal Lead will play a pivotal role in guiding our legal strategies and operations across Canada. Reporting directly to our Canadian CEO, this position is integral to our leadership team, ensuring legal compliance and supporting business objectives. The ideal candidate will be a bilingual legal professional with a strong background in Canadian corporate law, contract drafting and negotiation, and dispute management.

How you'll make an impact

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for Gallagher Benefit Services in Canada, providing strategic legal guidance to the CEO and Canadian leadership team.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and legal standards.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes and oversee outside counsel.
• Provide sound advice on Canadian corporate law matters.
• Collaborate with the US legal team to ensure cohesive legal strategies across North America.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures that support business objectives and mitigate risks.
• Travel occasionally within Canada to support business operations and legal initiatives.
• Support our M&A legal team with thoughtful analysis of target companies during due diligence.

About you

• Law degree from a recognized Canadian law school.
• Expertise in contract review, negotiations, Canadian corporate law, and dispute management.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is a must.
• Must be barred in the Canadian province from which they work.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience at a major Canadian law firm or in-house legal department.
• Experience in professional services, financial services or insurance businesses.
• Understanding of key principles, regulations, and practices that govern data privacy in Canada.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Autonomous problem solver with the ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Strong business acumen.

Compensation and benefits

On top of a competitive salary, great teams, and exciting career opportunities, we also offer a wide range of benefits. These include:

• Flexible medical & dental coverage to meet your household's needs
• Life, Dependent Life, and AD&D Insurance options
• Retirement savings including RRSP with company match, TFSA, pension, and more
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Other benefits: Educational expense reimbursement, Employee assistance programs, Discounted gym membership (GoodLife Fitness), Opportunity for flexible work arrangements, Paid sick days & personal days, Employee education recognition program, Employee referral bonus program