Temporary position for 12 months.

Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) is seeking a talented and motivated mid-level litigation lawyer to join its in-house team. The successful candidate will be part of a small team of legal professionals which includes lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants. We handle litigation related to life and health insurance, specifically, group disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness, and extended health insurance. As in-house counsel, you help protect the organization’s legal interests by ensuring that it complies with all laws. You also play a key role in making sure that its rights are protected, and obligations are met. You represent the organization in situations involving its legal interests. You help solve complex problems using your analytical skills and extensive knowledge of the line of business. You advise and assist internal clients and partners as part of intervention and development initiatives. You recommend solutions to improve or optimize standards, policies, and programs. You prepare recommendations, solutions and action plans based on the organization’s objectives, priorities, and projects. Coordination is critical, as you frequently interact with stakeholders both internally and external to the organization. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Be responsible for developing strategy on litigated files, preparing witnesses, and presenting arguments for average- to high-complexity files
• Prepare legal opinions based on facts and applicable legislation. Draft pleadings and materials for use in Court and before administrative tribunals. Represent the organization before civil and administrative courts and tribunals
• Handle out of Court negotiations and associated strategy
• Analyze matters, advise, and support the various organization units with appeals before civil and administrative courts
• Be the subject-matter expert for various organization units in their area of expertise. Assume responsibility for or participate in special mandates or projects when required. Represent their sector on various committees
• Monitor the various organization sectors’ compliance with applicable legislation and regulations and cooperate with sectors in charge of compliance to provide them with the necessary information

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
• Advantages apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience, including at least three years of proven experience in the field of insurance defense
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Experience in Litigation
• Experience in Insurance Law
• Experience with courtroom advocacy
• A member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Expert proficiency of 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

Communicates effectively, Complexity, Interpersonal Savvy, Strategic mindset

LI-Hybrid

Trade Union
Non-unionized
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!
Job Family
Legal Affairs (FG)
Unposting Date
2024-07-1

• Be responsible for developing strategy on litigated files, preparing witnesses, and presenting arguments for average- to high-complexity files
• Prepare legal opinions based on facts and applicable legislation. Draft pleadings and materials for use in Court and before administrative tribunals. Represent the organization before civil and administrative courts and tribunals
• Handle out of Court negotiations and associated strategy
• Analyze matters, advise, and support the various organization units with appeals before civil and administrative courts
• Be the subject-matter expert for various organization units in their area of expertise. Assume responsibility for or participate in special mandates or projects when required. Represent their sector on various committees
• Monitor the various organization sectors’ compliance with applicable legislation and regulations and cooperate with sectors in charge of compliance to provide them with the necessary informatio