Counsel, Claims Litigation

The Opportunity 

This role is responsible for independently managing a broad portfolio of civil and insurance litigation matters from initial assignment through to resolution or trial. The successful candidate will represent the organization in court proceedings, mediations, examinations, and appeals, while developing litigation strategies, negotiating settlements, and providing legal advice to the Claims department.

The position offers exposure to a diverse litigation practice, including property damage, construction, commercial general liability, bodily injury, and subrogated claims. In addition to handling complex files, the lawyer will collaborate with internal stakeholders, direct external experts and vendors, contribute to claims litigation strategies and policies, and act as a trusted advisor on legal and claims-related matters.

The ideal candidate is a lawyer licensed in Alberta with at least two years of civil litigation experience, preferably in insurance litigation. They possess strong advocacy, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills, are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering effective legal solutions. Trial, appeal, and complex claims experience are considered strong assets.

What to Expect

• Independent carriage of tort litigation files, which includes attending at trials and appeals, contested applications, preparing court documents, reviewing and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, conducting out-of-court examinations/questionings, acting in mediations or other ADR, engaging and instructing medical, financial and technical experts, surveillance and other third parties supporting litigation, client reporting and providing legal opinions and devising recommended strategies, negotiating settlements and drafting settlement documents, and working with and delegating to support staff
• Opportunity for a varied litigation practice, including carriage of property damage, construction, commercial general liability, bodily injury and subrogated claims, from inception through to trial
• Contribute to the development of overall Claims Litigation Unit strategies and policies
• Play an advisory role to Definity’s Claims department in relation to litigation strategy and claims litigation      

What you Bring                 

• Law Degree from an accredited law school (LLB or Juris Doctor)
• Licensed by the Law Society of Alberta to practice as a lawyer in Alberta
• 2-4 years of post-call experience working in civil litigation, with preference given to insurance litigation with a law firm or in-house legal provider 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
• A valid Alberta Motor Vehicle Operators License - Some travel within the province is required
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills across a range of contexts
• Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills with a proven capability for effective presentation tools/methods
• Sound judgment, with the ability to critically analyze situations, problem-solve, and deal with ambiguity and have the ability to provide meaningful advice and recommendations
• Ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple, yet sometimes conflicting priorities
• High degree of personal ethics, integrity and responsibility with an ability to deal with sensitive issues and safeguard confidential information
• Experience handling complex claims, contested applications and/or appeals
• The ideal candidate should have an interest in oral and written advocacy - Trial experience will be considered an asset
• Assertiveness in practice, but reasonable and forthright
• Team player, adaptable to a changing environment
• This role requires clearance of a background check and disciplinary action check

Salary Range: $ 108,700 - $158,700 

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

Interested in this role, but don’t meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn’t need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We’re actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren’t just “nice to have” - they’re essential to our success. 

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Incentive Program - Eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents 
• Wellness and recognition programs 
• Discounts on products and services

Go ahead and expect a lot - you deserve it.

It’s better here - but don’t take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting accessibility@economical.com.

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.