Claims Legal Counsel, Specialty Lines

Come join our Property and Casualty Insurance Defence In-house Legal team of over 200 employees across 5 offices, including Toronto, Mississauga, Aurora, Ottawa, and Calgary. You will be a member of the specialty lines legal team with claims legal team for Desjardins Insurance. Our team provides legal support and carriage of litigation matters for property, commercial, and subrogation/recovery. Independently carry a case load of speciality lines litigation files, from start to finish, involving the defence of property and commercial claims, subrogation and recovery claims, and coverage work. We will support your career as a lawyer by making your engagement and happiness a priority. Your growth and success are key - you will collaborate with leaders who are directly invested in your personal and professional development and your distinct career goals. You will never be alone - teamwork and collaboration are essential to what we do. Your efforts and achievements will be valued and celebrated by management and your peers. We are committed to creating an environment where you can be your best self! You don’t work at Desjardins. You grow with Desjardins. We don’t offer you a job, we offer you job satisfaction! At Desjardins, work life balance is not just a concept – it is honoured and encouraged. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Independently handle a caseload of subrogation, property, and/or commercial litigation files of varying complexities from start to finish.  

• Provide assessments and recommendations to our recovery partners right to recover and quantum of damages.  

• Provide liability and damages assessments and recommendations to our claims partners 

• Draft opinions, pleadings, and motions 

• Conduct examinations for discovery and attend before all levels of court, including appearing on motions, pre-trials, and trials 

• Share and contribute to the growth and legal knowledge of your colleagues.  

• Be part of a team that focuses on and delivers exceptional client experience and superior legal services 

 
What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus

• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement

• Group insurance including telemedicine

• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

*Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

#LI-Hybrid, #ONCJ10, #ONCJ10*

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in law or Juris doctor 

• A minimum of seven years of relevant experience

• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered 

• Experience in multiple lines of business, including subrogation and recovery for property and casualty insurance 

• Experience with trials and/or arbitrations 

• Expert proficiency in English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English speaking partners, members and/or clients

• Advanced knowledge oral and written advocacy skills 

• Advanced knowledge of The Rules of Civil Procedure and the Insurance Act as well as legal principles related to insurance subrogation and recovery  

• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario 

Trade Union (If applicable)

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

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