Senior Counsel, Canada

Gallagher; Montreal; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading benefit services company is seeking a Canadian Legal Lead in Montreal. This role requires a bilingual legal professional with a strong background in Canadian corporate law and at least 10 years of experience. The Legal Lead will provide strategic legal guidance, manage disputes, and collaborate with teams across North America. Benefits include flexible medical coverage, retirement options, and educational reimbursements.

Benefits

Flexible medical & dental coverage

Life insurance options

Retirement savings with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Educational expense reimbursement

Discounted gym membership

Opportunity for flexible work arrangements

Paid sick days & personal days

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal advisor for Gallagher Benefit Services in Canada.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts.
• Manage pre-litigation disputes and oversee outside counsel.
• Collaborate with US legal team to ensure cohesive strategies.

Skills

Bilingual proficiency in English and French

Expertise in contract review and negotiations

Understanding of Canadian corporate law

Autonomous problem solver

Exceptional communication skills

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

Law degree from a recognised 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 she or he works. 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 the 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.

Benefits

• Flexible medical & dental coverage to meet household needs
• Life, Dependent Life and AD & D insurance options
• Retirement savings including RRSP with company match, TFSA, pension and more
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 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