Legal Counsel

Are you looking for a position where you make a difference in our communities?  At the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (MIABC) we invest in the communities of British Columbia, so that they can invest in themselves.  Each day, through every piece of advice shared, every outreach program offered, and every insurance policy written, our organization proudly declares that what makes each community unique is worthwhile, empowering the communities at the very heart of our province and the people who are the heart of those communities.

The MIABC is looking for a lawyer with experience in litigation to join our in-house legal team.  As Legal Counsel for the MIABC, you will defend a wide variety of claims brought against local governments and handle all aspects of claims from early investigation through trial.  This is the perfect role for you if you are looking for an opportunity to work in-house in a dynamic environment, handle your own files, embrace a principled approach to litigation, and conduct trial work while maintaining a reasonable work-life balance.

Job Duties:

• Gathers and assesses all necessary information and evidence during the investigation of a claim.
• Co-ordinates and communicates with, advises, and instructs adjusters, members and experts.
• Prepares pleadings, legal opinions, and reports.
• Analyzes and sets reserves.
• Prepares for conducting examinations for discoveries, chambers applications, settlement conferences, hearings, and mediations.
• Negotiates fair settlements when practical.
• Prepares for and conducts trials at all levels of court.
• Follows MIABC policies and procedures.
• Cooperates and collaborates with other employees and members in a spirit of teamwork and collegiality.
• Maintains abreast of relevant legislation to MIABC members through continuing education, and review of legal publications, etc.
• Promotes and represents MIABC as a professional association, including attending MIABC, member, or industry events and conferences, etc.
• Occasionally prepares and delivers educational seminars for members on legal issues through webinars, regional seminars, and conference sessions.
• Participates in the MIABC’s internal enterprise risk management program.
• Other miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned.

The successful candidate will have:

• At least 2 years of experience in litigation, including trials.
• A license to practice law in British Columbia, either as a practicing member of or eligible for membership with the Law Society of BC.
• A high degree of integrity and ethical behavior.
• A demonstrated commitment to client and member service.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both in public and private settings, including superior public speaking and writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to handle pressure in a time-constrained environment, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to work efficiently independently as well as part of a team.

Our commitment to you

The MIABC believes in a culture rooted in collaboration and growth.  Our team is enthusiastic, innovative, diverse, and driven to enrich the lives of our members and each other.  We promise to support you and provide you with meaningful challenges and opportunities to shine.  From competitive salaries, benefit packages and professional development opportunities, to work life balance with flex days and flexible working opportunities, we offer our teammates a working environment in which they feel supported, encouraged and empowered to take risks and share their perspectives openly and freely. 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Equity is entrenched in the MIABC’s values and guiding principles. We celebrate, empower, and support the unique differences our staff, board and members bring to our organization. We strive to be a workforce and organization that is representative of the diversity of the communities in British Columbia.

Our perks:

• Participation in a defined pension plan.
• Extended health care benefits including an incidental health spending account.
• The ability to work remotely two days per week.
• Optional participation in a flex-day plan allowing for 18 flex days per calendar year.
• Legislative statutory holidays off, including Easter Monday and Boxing Day.
• A centrally located office next to transit, shopping, restaurants, and the False Creek seawall.
• Free parking on a first-come first-serve basis with EV charging stations.
• Secure private bike storage.
• Monthly allowance for employees who choose to use their personal mobile phone for business.
• Professional development days.
• Mentorship programs.
• Staff social activities.

Status: Permanent, full-time

Pay Range: $113,600 to $142,000