Vice President, Legal Affairs

The Vice President, Legal Affairs will take ownership of legal governance, risk management, and compliance within a dynamic and growing insurance brokerage. This role is responsible for ensuring the company operates within a strong legal framework, advising on contracts, risk exposure, and compliance, and supporting business operations through strategic legal guidance. The position provides an opportunity to shape the organization's future, act as a change agent, and build a scalable legal framework that supports growth and innovation.

Legal Oversight and Risk Management

1. Provide counsel on operations, contracts, governance, and risk exposure.
2. Identify potential legal risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure preparedness for compliance challenges.
3. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts aligned with business objectives.
4. Work closely with external counsel as needed.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance

1. Take primary responsibility for regulatory reporting and filings, ensuring deadlines and obligations are met, notwithstanding the Principal Broker.
2. Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for compliance.
3. Stay informed of regulatory developments, advising leadership on necessary adaptations.
4. Ensure direct accountability for all required regulatory submissions and engagements.

Corporate Strategy and Organizational Leadership

1. Provide strategic legal input on business decisions and transactions.
2. Drive a culture of integrity, compliance, and legal accountability.
3. Support leadership in balancing business opportunities with legal risk.
4. Modernize legal and compliance functions through technology.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support - Licensed Position

1. Lead legal oversight and risk management for M&A transactions.
2. Provide due diligence support, contract review, and risk analysis.
3. Advise deal teams on legal implications, supporting deal pace and certainty.

Mentorship and Development

1. Support internal teams with legal training on compliance and risk management.
2. Foster a culture of accountability and proactive risk awareness.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field; JD or equivalent legal qualification preferred.
2. Minimum 10 years of experience in legal or compliance roles within insurance or financial services, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
3. Strong understanding of Canadian insurance laws, corporate governance, and compliance.
4. Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
5. Proven ability to manage regulatory compliance.
6. Willingness to obtain insurance licensing as required.

Key Attributes

1. Visionary leader shaping legal frameworks and driving success.
2. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
3. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation and accountability.

Working Conditions

1. Work normal business hours but may be required to do some work in the evenings or outside normal working hours depending on urgency or availability of client to meet their needs.
2. Able to work on a computer for long periods of time.
3. Required to work in a busy, open area office.
4. Required to spend long hours concentrating which will require attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
5. Required to meet a number of deadlines.

Why Join Us?

Shape the Future: Lead the legal function of a growing organization.

Be an Owner: Join a dynamic, employee-owned company.

Drive Change: Modernize legal and compliance practices.

Leverage Technology: Enhance efficiency through legal tech solutions.