Legal Counsel

Legal CounselAbout the Role:Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated Legal Counsel to join its respected legal and claims team in a permanent, full-time capacity based in downtown Calgary, Alberta.
You will play an important role in managing a diverse portfolio of insurance defence and subrogation matters while providing strategic legal guidance on insurance coverage, policy interpretation and risk management issues.
This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex litigation files from initial investigation through resolution, represent member institutions in various court proceedings and deliver practical legal advice on matters affecting Canada's post-secondary education sector.
Beyond your litigation responsibilities, you will contribute to member education through seminars, webinars, presentations and legal publications while developing strong relationships with universities, colleges, external counsel and internal stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is an established insurance lawyer who combines sound legal judgment, independent file management capabilities and strong advocacy skills with a collaborative approach to client service and relationship management.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage all aspects of insurance defence and subrogation litigation files, from initial investigation through resolution, including trial, while meeting established performance standards and key performance indicators.
Draft and prepare pleadings, motion materials, facta, mediation memoranda, pre-trial conference memoranda and other litigation-related documents.
Represent the organization and its member institutions at examinations for discovery, motions, mediations, pre-trial conferences, trials and other court-related proceedings.
Maintain complete, accurate and timely documentation across all assigned claim files.
Communicate regularly with the General Counsel, Claims Team and member institutions regarding litigation strategy, case developments and file status.
Establish and maintain productive working relationships with member institutions, external counsel, service providers and internal stakeholders.
Prepare insurance coverage opinions involving policy interpretation, contractual analysis and related legal issues.
Collaborate closely with colleagues across the legal and claims teams to deliver effective legal and risk management solutions.
Develop and deliver educational seminars, webinars and presentations addressing legal, insurance and risk management topics relevant to member institutions.
Prepare legal articles, publications, newsletters and other written resources for member communications.
Participate in special projects and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.
Work closely with the General Counsel on legal, claims, governance and strategic organizational initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree.
Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
Minimum of 8 years of post-call legal experience in insurance law.
Substantial experience in insurance defence litigation, subrogation, insurance coverage analysis, policy interpretation and contractual risk transfer.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex litigation matters from initial investigation through trial or other dispute resolution processes.
Excellent knowledge of insurance law principles and practices.
Strong understanding of the rules, procedures and practices of the Alberta Court of King's Bench and other relevant courts and tribunals.
Knowledge of occupiers' liability, contractual liability and other legal principles affecting commercial liability exposures.
Strong understanding of insurance policy interpretation and coverage analysis.
Exceptional analytical abilities, including the capacity to review and critically assess contracts, insurance policies, evidence and legal authorities and provide practical, well-reasoned advice.
Proven ability to independently manage and advocate moderately complex litigation matters.
Excellent negotiation, advocacy, written communication and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal abilities with a demonstrated capacity to build and maintain effective relationships with members, external counsel, service providers and internal stakeholders.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint..
Why Join Us:
Contribute to the legal and risk management needs of universities and colleges across nine Canadian provinces, helping protect institutions that play an essential role in higher education.
Manage a diverse portfolio of insurance defence and subrogation files while exercising independent legal judgment across all stages of litigation and dispute resolution.
Work across insurance coverage, policy interpretation, contractual risk transfer and commercial liability matters, gaining exposure to a varied and intellectually engaging legal practice.
Collaborate on important legal, claims, governance and strategic initiatives that contribute to organizational priorities.
Engage with universities, colleges, external counsel and industry stakeholders while developing trusted relationships across Canada's post-secondary education sector.
Deliver educational seminars, webinars and presentations while contributing legal insights through publications and member resources.
Benefit from a hybrid work arrangement based in downtown Calgary, offering a combination of remote work and in-person collaboration, alongside opportunities for regional engagement.
Access professional development opportunities and work within a collaborative environment that values integrity, innovation, diversity, inclusion and continuous learning.
Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that recognizes your experience and supports your professional and personal well-being.
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
Comprehensive employee benefits.
Professional development opportunities.
A collaborative and supportive work environment.
Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
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