Legal Counsel

CURIE (Canadian Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange) provides cost-effective, solutions-based property and liability insurance, claims management, and risk management services to Canadian post-secondary institutions. CURIE serves member institutions in nine provinces and is a recognized leader in supporting the unique risk management needs of the higher education sector.

CURIE is pleased to invite applications for a full-time Legal Counsel position. This permanent role is based in Calgary, Alberta, and forms part of CURIE's collaborative and highly respected legal and claims team.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, analytical, organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. As Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting CURIE's members across the Western Region by:

• Managing a portfolio of insurance defence and subrogation matters;
• Providing legal analysis and coverage opinions on a broad range of claims and risk management issues;
• Developing and delivering educational initiatives, training programs, and legal resources for member institutions; and
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with CURIE's members, external counsel, service providers, and internal stakeholders.

This position reports directly to the General Counsel and offers the opportunity to work closely with universities and colleges across Canada on complex and interesting legal, insurance, and risk management matters.

Work Location and Travel

This position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement based in downtown Calgary, combining remote work with in-person engagement as required. The successful candidate will serve as a key relationship manager for CURIE members across the Western Region, working closely with member institutions through periodic travel to foster strong partnerships and support member needs. Occasional travel to CURIE's Burlington office will also be required for training, collaboration, team meetings, and organizational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of litigation and subrogation files from initial investigation through to resolution, including trial, while adhering to established performance standards and key performance indicators.
• Draft pleadings, motion materials, facta, mediation memoranda, pre-trial conference memoranda, and other litigation-related materials.
• Represent CURIE and its members at examinations for discovery, motions, mediations, pre-trial conferences, trials, and other court-related proceedings.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation for all assigned claim files.
• Regularly communicate with General Counsel, CURIE's Claims Team, and member institutions regarding litigation strategy, case developments, and file status.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with CURIE members, external service providers, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare coverage opinions, including policy interpretation and contract analysis.
• Collaborate closely and effectively with members of CURIE's legal and claims teams.
• Develop and deliver educational seminars, webinars, and presentations on legal, insurance, and risk management topics for member institutions.
• Prepare articles and other written content for CURIE publications, newsletters, and member communications.
• Participate in special projects and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Work closely with and provide ongoing support to the General Counsel on legal, claims, governance, and strategic initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of post-call legal experience in insurance law, including insurance defence litigation, subrogation, insurance coverage analysis, policy interpretation, and contractual risk transfer.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation files from investigation through trial or other dispute resolution processes.

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of:

1. insurance law principles and practices;
2. the rules, procedures, and practices of the Alberta Court of King's Bench and other   relevant courts and tribunals;
3. occupiers' liability, contractual liability, and other legal principles affecting commercial liability exposures; and
4. insurance policy interpretation and coverage analysis.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to review and critically assess contracts, insurance policies, evidence, and legal authorities, and to provide practical, well-reasoned advice.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage and advocate moderately complex litigation matters.
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with CURIE members, external counsel, service providers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Compensation

CURIE offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative and supportive work environment.

At CURIE, our culture is guided by a commitment to collaboration, integrity, innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and professional growth. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.