Legal Counsel

About the Insurance Council

The Insurance Council of British Columbia is the regulatory organization that licenses and regulates the activities of over 50,000 life and general insurance agents, general insurance salespersons, insurance adjusters, and restricted insurance agents in British Columbia.

Why Work for the Insurance Council?

Work with a great team of people in a rewarding career that makes a difference. We are in a downtown location with plenty of amenities nearby. The Insurance Council has a friendly and collaborative environment with a team who is committed to protecting the public.

We offer a comprehensive health and dental plan

Work-life balance

Hybrid work environment (work from office/residence in BC)

Professional development

Equitable employment opportunities

The Opportunity

The Legal Counsel will be responsible for providing legal advice to Insurance Council members and staff on a variety of organizational matters considering the Financial Institutions Act, the Insurance Council Rules, our Code of Conduct and other relevant policies and legislation. They will also be responsible for managing files as they progress through the licensing and disciplinary processes. They will also be responsible for reviewing and drafting other correspondence as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Manage Council’s enforcement matters including overseeing the movement of cases through disciplinary or licensing suitability processes.

Review and advise on investigations and licence suitability matters in accordance with legislation and Council policies.

Act as staff support to Council’s Review and Licensing Committees by coordinating cases to be presented, providing advice to the committees, writing Intended Decisions and orders, and preparing committee reports for Council.

Assist with preparation of production orders, subpoenas and other legal instruments.

Draft and circulate correspondence to complainants, applicants, and licensees. 

Coordinate hearings including organizing hearing committees, overseeing evidence disclosure, engaging and managing external legal counsel for prosecution and hearing panel counsel roles.

Manage Council’s participation in Financial Services Tribunal appeals and judicial reviews.

Liaise on complaints and investigations with other regulatory agencies.

Support Council’s Privacy Officer by ensuring Council is meeting its responsibilities under applicable privacy legislation, and in response to Freedom of Information requests.

Provide advice to Council on the Financial Institutions Act, Council Rules, and other relevant legislation.

Conduct legal research as necessary such as identifying precedent cases, and gather information and data from various sources including other regulatory bodies.

Support policy and guidelines for various departments in accordance with Council’s legislative authority.

Review and draft legal correspondence such as general agreements, memorandums of understanding, and legal contracts for the organization.

Assist with collections and filing of Court documents for outstanding fines and fees.

Provide training and support to Council members and staff to ensure processes are in accordance with legislation and administrative law.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience with regulatory matters in the capacity of a case manager or lawyer within a regulatory body, government, or within a law firm

Experience with insurance and/or financial services is an asset but not required

Law degree and practicing member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia

Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills

Able to organize large volumes of work and handle competing priorities

Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills

Strong legal skills and an established sense of integrity

Proficiency in MS Office desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is  $161,408 (minimum) – $201,759 (midpoint) – $232,023 (maximum).

The starting salary will be set based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience and education, internal pay equity within the salary band, current market conditions, and other applicable factors. In most cases, starting salaries fall below the midpoint of the range.