Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Lead, Information Security

iA Financial Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible group insurance

Competitive pension plan

Share purchase plan

Vacation, wellness and personal days

Telemedicine

Employee and family assistance program

Ergonomic furniture program

Performance bonus

Discounts on iA products

Job summary

iA Financial Group seeks a Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Lead for information security to guide decision‑making and advance the practice across Canada and the United States. You will collaborate with senior management, internal teams, and external counsel to protect data, privacy, and technology initiatives.

The role emphasizes leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and staying ahead of regulatory developments while harmonizing Canadian and American approaches.

Qualifications

• Holds a law degree (LL.B.) and is a member in good standing of a provincial bar.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and strong business acumen for complex legal matters.
• Experience in information security, cybersecurity, and privacy considerations within a large organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice on information security matters across the organization to guide key decisions.
• Lead and coordinate legal support on information security incidents, data protection, and related governance.
• Develop and improve policies, standards, and governance frameworks in information security and related tech practice areas.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Leadership

Information security

Cybersecurity

Regulatory watch

Education

LL.B. degree

Job description

Job Description Build the future with us

The Legal Services team is looking for a Strategic Legal Counsel and Practice Lead in information security (including cybersecurity), with a collaborative mindset, strong strategic acumen, and a demonstrated ability to build, advance, and effectively position this expertise within the organization. This role will be instrumental in elevating and advancing our practice, while keeping the team and the organization at the forefront of developments in this field.

• Act as a key resource within Legal Services, as well as with our partners and Senior Management
• Provide strategic legal advice on information security matters across all areas 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, based on their professional experience and expertise, various matters handled by the Legal Services Transversal Affairs team, whether in contracts and procurement, privacy and solicitation rules, or innovation and technology

What you will accomplish with us

• 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 counsel
• Act as legal counsel, based on your professional experience and expertise, in one or more of the Transversal 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, regulatory, and market practice developments, and share them within the organization
• Advance the information security practice within Legal Services by developing the knowledge, tools, positions, and best practices needed to provide value‑added support to business partners
• Act as a reference resource for internal teams, participate in communities of practice, and promote knowledge sharing and skills development
• Work closely with other practice leads and experts to ensure an integrated and consistent approach to legal services across the organization
• Participate in various forums, working groups, and industry networks related to your areas of expertise

What could accelerate your success in this role

• 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 strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and the ability to tackle complex issues head‑on
• Has a proven ability to influence, bring people together, and build trusted relationships at all levels of the organization
• Has a strong network of industry contacts to identify and stay current on emerging trends and market practices
• Demonstrates natural leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of autonomy
• Stands out for interpersonal skills, ability to work as part of a team, and professional rigor
• Has an advanced level of English, 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 person hired be committed to harmonizing our Canadian and American approaches, this is an essential requirement
• Has an intermediate to advanced level of French, as the team is predominantly French‑speaking and meetings and daily interactions are conducted primarily in French

Why you will enjoy working with us

A work environment where learning and development go hand‑in‑hand with a collective pursuit of excellence; Artificial intelligence is in everyone’s hands, helping you increase your personal efficiency and contributing to the organization’s growth.

A healthy, safe, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone can grow and contribute freely; The ability to work in a hybrid environment supported by flexibility and access to inspiring and innovative workspaces.

Competitive benefits

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

The typical hiring range for this position is 165 000$ to 215 000$ CAD per year; the base salary offered may vary depending on the knowledge, skills, years of experience, and internal equity associated with the position. At iA, we are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and market‑based compensation structure. Our market data is updated annually to reflect the most current market conditions.

Location(s) Toronto / 26 Wellington Street East Other Possible Location(s)

Company iA Financial Group Posting End Date 2026-11-06

Company Overview

iA Financial Group* is the strength of a company with a human side, with its over 8,000 employees. Together, we have earned the trust of our more than four million clients and 25,000 advisors who have chosen us for their insurance, savings, and wealth management. With over $200 billion in assets and half a billion invested in technological innovation, we’re a key player in the financial services industry in Canada and the United States. The secret to our success? Investing in you, one person at a time. Because, for over 125 years, we have believed that it’s by supporting our employees and surrounding ourselves with the most reputable leaders in the industry, we will continue to innovate. At iA, we’re invested in you. * iA Financial group includes the following entities: iA Services financiers, iA assurance auto et habitation, iA Gestion privée de patrimoine, PPI Management, Investia, iA Gestion de placements, Prysm, iA Clarington, Michel Rhéaume et associés, Garanties Nationales, WGI Manufacturing, WGI Service Plan Division, Lubrico, iA Financement auto

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At iA Financial Group, we support and celebrate diversity. We strive to provide a workplace that is recognized as inclusive for all, regardless of ethnic origin, nationality, language, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family situation, or physical or mental disability. Please note that if you need help or assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please Contact us here. Someone from our team will be happy to assist you with your needs. As a reflection of our employees’ appreciation and engagement, iA once again stands out this year as one of Canada’s top employers according to Forbes. In 2026, iA Financial Group also ranks 1st among major publicly traded Canadian insurers. At iA Financial Group, our differences make us unique. We are committed to supporting and celebrating diversity because we believe that it is by bridging our differences that we will be stronger. Our employees’ wellbeing is our priority. We are also committed to creating a stimulating and safe work environment, in addition to offering a real work‑life balance with our flexible work model. As a reflection of our employees’ appreciation, iA has been ranked as one of the top employers in Canada in 2023 by Glassdoor and Forbes.