Senior Legal Counsel (Product Development)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our employees are at the heart of what we do best : helping people, businesses and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times.

When you join our team, you’re bringing this purpose to life alongside a passionate community of experts.

Feel empowered to learn and grow while being valued for who you are here, diversity is a strength. You have our commitment to support you in reaching your goals with tools, opportunities, and flexibility.

It’s our employee promise.

Our hybrid work model provides the balance between working from home and enjoying meaningful in-person interactions.

Read on to see how you can shape the future, win as a team, and grow with us.

About the role

We’re looking for an Senior Legal Counsel (Product Development) to join our Corporate Legal department, working out of the head office of the largest provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada and a leading provider of global specialty insurance!

Key accountabilities as a member of the Canadian Product Development Legal team include :

• Reviewing, drafting and revising insurance coverage forms, endorsements, notices and other policy documents (collectively, Insurance Products ) to reflect underwriting intent and risk appetite, in support of IFC’s Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Specialty Lines business;
• Being a thought leader in Product Development and insurance coverage focusing on those issues impacting Insurance Products;
• Drafting and reviewing Insurance Products to respond to regulatory, legal or business-driven changes;
• Identifying, analyzing and elevating coverage issues that may impact IFC, including issues that may give rise to litigation, reputational, or regulatory risk;
• Monitoring and identifying emerging trends, new exposures, case law and regulatory developments that may impact Insurance Products;
• Acting as legal resource throughout the product development process in coordination with internal stakeholders, including Corporate Underwriting, Distribution, Claims, and Translation, to ensure efficient and accurate product implementation;

Working closely with the United States Product Development Legal team as part of IFC’s North American Product Development Centre of Excellence on Insurance Products and coverage issues.

This position can be based out of our downtown office in Toronto or Montreal and requires an in-office presence two days per week.

Qualifications

Member of the Law Society of Ontario or the Barreau du Québec (ideally both)

5+ years of insurance coverage, complex claims handling, or policy-drafting experience at a large law firm or as an in-house lawyer at an insurance company focused on commercial, personal or specialty coverage lines such as commercial liability, commercial property, homeowners insurance and travel

Ability to build relationships with, and to advise and support internal business partners, up to the senior leadership level, on the intersection of legal, business, and strategic risks and goals

Excellent judgment

Excellent drafting and communication skills

Confidence managing files independently

Maturity in style of influencing others across audiences on a variety of issues

Ability to proactively identify legal and reputational risks and propose innovative business solutions

Strong organizational and time management skills

Self-starter with initiative to complete tasks who strives to improve and embraces change

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple files and projects, and to work efficiently in a fast-paced, challenging work environment

No Canadian work experience required however must be eligible to work in Canada

Assets

Being called to both the Ontario and Québec bars or having both common law and civil law degrees

Knowledge of the United States legal landscape, especially as it relates to insurance coverage and policy drafting.

LI-Hybrid

What we offer

Working here means you'll be empowered to be and do your best every day. Here is some of what you can expect as a permanent member of our team :

A financial rewards program that recognizes your success

An industry leading Employee Share Purchase Plan; we match 50% of net shares purchased

An extensive flex pension and benefits package, with access to virtual healthcare

Flexible work arrangements

Possibility to purchase up to 5 extra days off per year

An annual wellness account that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle

Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health, embracing change and connecting with colleagues

A dynamic workplace learning ecosystem complete with learning journeys, interactive online content, and inspiring programs

Inclusive employee-led networks to educate, inspire, amplify voices, build relationships and provide development opportunities

Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow

A Community Impact program, because what you care about is a part of what makes you different. And how you contribute to your community should be just as unique.