Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Lead, Information Security

iA Financial Group; Quebec; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension plan

Employee share purchase program

Telemedicine

Flexible group insurance

Job summary

iA Financial Group seeks a Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Leader, Information Security, to provide strategic legal guidance on information security, cybersecurity, and incident management. You will lead legal support across contracts, privacy, and technology, shaping policies and governance while monitoring evolving regulations.

The role demands a law degree, provincial bar admission, and at least 15 years of relevant experience, with strong English skills and a collaborative, autonomous

Qualifications

• Requires a law degree (LL.B.) and active provincial bar membership.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and business insight.
• Experience shaping and leading legal practice in information security.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on information security and cybersecurity.
• Lead and coordinate legal support for information security matters with internal and external counsel.
• Develop, update, and harmonize policies and governance for information security and privacy.
• Monitor regulatory developments and communicate impacts across the organization.
• Promote knowledge sharing and build relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Participate in industry forums and networks to advance practice.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Autonomy

Education

LL.B. degree

Provisional bar admission

Job description

Build the future with us

The Legal Services team is seeking a Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Leader, Information Security, including cybersecurity, with a collaborative mindset, strong strategic thinking, and a demonstrated ability to build, advance, and effectively position this expertise within the organization.

This position will play a key role in elevating and advancing our practice while keeping the team and the organization at the forefront of developments in this field. The person we are looking for will be called upon to:

• Act as a key resource within Legal Services, as well as for our partners and Senior Management;
• Provide strategic legal advice on information security to all sectors of the organization to guide key decision-making and support the organization’s vision in a context of innovation and transformation;
• Contribute to and take ownership of various matters handled by the Legal Services Cross-Functional Affairs team, based on their professional experience and expertise, whether in contracts and procurement, privacy and solicitation rules, or innovation and technology.

What you’ll accomplish with us

As Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Leader, Information Security, you’ll be at the core of our mission. Here are the main responsibilities:

• Provide strategic legal advice on information security, cybersecurity, and incident management to support the organization’s decision-making;
• Provide, lead, and coordinate legal support in matters related to information security, such as incident management, cybersecurity, fraud, and data protection, in collaboration with internal teams, Senior Management, and external legal counsel;
• Act as legal counsel, based on your professional experience and expertise, in one or more of the Cross-Functional Affairs team’s practice areas, whether in contracts and procurement, privacy and solicitation rules, or innovation and technology;
• Contribute to the development, updating, and continuous improvement of policies, standards, governance frameworks, and organizational practices related to your areas of expertise;
• Proactively monitor legislative and regulatory developments and market practices and communicate them throughout the organization;
• Advance the information security practice within Legal Services by developing the knowledge, tools, positions, and best practices required to provide value-added support to our partners;
• Act as a key resource for internal teams, participate in communities of practice, and promote knowledge sharing and skills development;
• Work closely with other Practice Leaders and experts to ensure an integrated and consistent approach to legal services across the organization;
• Participate in various industry forums, working groups, and networks related to your areas of expertise.

What could accelerate your success in this role

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a law degree (LL.B.), is a member in good standing of a provincial bar, and has a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience related to information security and in one of the following areas: contracts and procurement, privacy and solicitation rules, or innovation and technology;
• Is recognized for their strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and ability to tackle complex issues head-on;
• Demonstrates a proven ability to influence, mobilize, and build trusting relationships at all levels of the organization;
• Has a strong industry network that enables them to identify and stay current with emerging trends and market practices;
• Demonstrates natural leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of autonomy;
• Stands out for their interpersonal skills, ability to work as part of a team, and professional rigor;
• Has an advanced level of English proficiency, as the role requires interacting with colleagues, including managers and executives, clients, and various professionals across offices in Canada and the United States. As it is essential that the successful candidate also be committed to harmonizing our Canadian and U.S. approaches, this is an essential requirement.

Why you’ll love working with us

• A work environment where learning and development merge with a collective pursuit of excellence;
• Artificial intelligence is in everyone’s hands, empowering you to increase your personal effectiveness while supporting organizational growth;
• A healthy, safe, equitable, and inclusive environment where potential can be freely expressed and developed;
• The opportunity to work in a hybrid environment, supported by flexibility and access to inspiring and innovative workspaces.

Competitive benefits

• Flexible group insurance;
• Competitive pension plan;
• Employee share purchase plan;
• Vacation and wellness/personal development days;
• Telemedicine;
• Employee and family assistance program;
• Ergonomic furniture program;
• Performance bonus;
• Discounts on iA products;
• And much more!