Senior Legal Counsel (Litigation)

Echelon Insurance; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Echelon Insurance in Mississauga seeks an experienced litigation counsel to provide legal services for property and casualty claims. The role involves representing Echelon Insurance and its insureds from initial opinion through trial, while mentoring junior counsel.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in the P&C insurance sector or from a law firm, strong advocacy, negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of Ontario litigation processes. We offer equal opportunity employment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as in-house counsel in P&C insurance or law firm.
• Experience in handling personal injury defense and motor vehicle litigation.
• Trial experience is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation services for assigned property and casualty claims.
• Handle litigation with limited supervision, from initial opinion to trial.
• Report to Claims on developments and settlement offers.

Skills

Strong advocacy skills

Excellent negotiation

Oral and written communication skills

Strong knowledge of litigation process

Leadership and mentorship skills

Education

Law degree and admission to the bar in Ontario

Job description

About Echelon Insurance

Echelon Insurance provides Personal and Commercial Specialty Insurance solutions to protect Canadian families and businesses across Canada through our trusted network of Broker partners.

Position Overview

This role involves providing litigation and legal services for assigned property and casualty claim files, representing Echelon Insurance and its insureds in a cost‑effective manner from initial opinion through trial.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation and other legal services with respect to assigned property and casualty claims files, representing Echelon Insurance or its insureds as required.
• Handle litigation on behalf of Echelon Insurance and its insureds with limited supervision, from initial opinion through to trial, including preparation of all required pleadings, offers to settle, motion materials, mediation briefs and pre‑trial briefs.
• Attend motions, examination for discovery, mediations, pre‑trial conferences and trial.
• Report to Claims all material developments and settlement offers.
• Use litigation and Claims protocols to develop and revise appropriate legal strategy for discovery, investigation, handling and trial of cases or matters.
• Advise, communicate and develop strategies with Echelon Insurance Claims staff and insured clients as appropriate.
• Provide coverage advice to Claims and Underwriting.
• Provide general advice and assistance to the Claims department, including participating in Claims committee where required.
• Conduct continuing education seminars for Claims.
• Provide updates on relevant legal developments to all departments of the company.
• Work with the Director of Litigation in the creation and implementation of workflows, protocols and tools focused on enabling efficiency and servicing Claims and Underwriting.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to legal counsel and legal assistants/law clerks.

Qualifications

• Completion of law school and admission to the bar in the Law Society of Ontario.
• 7 or more years of experience as in‑house counsel within the P&C insurance industry or within a law firm.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Excellent negotiation, oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of litigation process, the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ontario automobile insurance regime.
• Experience handling personal injury defense and motor vehicle litigation claims, including tort.
• Accident benefits experience is an asset but not required.
• Experience conducting examinations for discovery, participating in mediations, attending pre‑trials and negotiating settlements.
• Trial experience would be a strong asset.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.

Salary range is not inclusive of total compensation. The expected salary range for this position will be impacted by factors such as the successful candidate’s skills, experience, working location and the specific position’s business line, scope and level. Candidates with salary expectations outside of the range are encouraged to apply.

Our Commitment

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with all applicable Provincial Human Rights and Accessibility Legislation. CCG will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.