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