Counsel, Claims Litigation - Definity, Toronto

About the role

Definity is seeking a Claims Litigation Counsel with 2-5 years of civil litigation experience to independently manage a diverse caseload of insurance-related litigation matters. This position offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted legal advisor to Definity's Claims team while contributing to the successful resolution of a broad range of litigation matters.

• Independent carriage of tort litigation files, including attending at trials and appeals, contested motions, cross-examinations, examinations for discovery and mediations
• Preparing court documents, reviewing and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting out-of-court examinations or questionings
• Acting in mediations or other alternative dispute resolution, engaging and instructing medical, financial, and technical experts, surveillance, and other third parties supporting litigation
• Client reporting, providing legal opinions, devising recommended strategies, negotiating settlements, drafting settlement documents, and working with and delegating to support staff
• Working with senior counsel on more complex cases, trials, and hearings
• Opportunity for a varied litigation practice, including carriage of bodily injury, property damage, construction, and subrogated claims from inception through to trial
• Playing an advisory role to Definity's Claims department regarding litigation strategy and claims litigation, and contributing to the Claims Litigation Unit and Claims department via presentations, initiatives, and special projects

Requirements

Candidates should bring the following qualifications and skills to the position:

• 2-5 years of post-call experience working in civil litigation, with preference given to insurance litigation with a law firm or in-house legal provider
• Hearing, trial, and contested motion experience is preferred, alongside a keen interest in written and oral advocacy
• Experience handling a caseload of files with primary carriage, coordinating work on own files and senior lawyers' files
• High degree of personal ethics, integrity, and responsibility with an ability to deal with sensitive issues and safeguard confidential information
• Assertiveness in practice, combined with a reasonable and forthright approach
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across a range of contexts
• Excellent negotiation and facilitation skills
• Sound judgement with the ability to critically analyze situations, problem-solve, deal with ambiguity, and provide meaningful advice and recommendations
• Confident and effective communication skills with claims adjusters, insured clients, arbitrators, and case managers
• Team player mindset with the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues, support staff, and managers
• Adaptability to a changing environment
• Ability to perform under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle conflicting priorities
• Comfortable with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Caselines, and practice management systems
• Law degree from an accredited law school (LLB or Juris Doctor)
• Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario to practice law as a lawyer in Ontario
• Requirement to clear a background check and disciplinary action check

Benefits

Definity supports its team with a comprehensive package of perks, financial programs, and wellness resources:

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Incentive program with discretionary payouts based on 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, and programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services