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General Counsel, Insurance Council of British Columbia, Vancouver

Our client, the Insurance Council of British Columbia (“Insurance Council”) is an insurance regulatory body appointed by the BC provincial government to ensure licensed insurance agents, salespersons, and adjusters act within a professional framework, which promotes ethical conduct, integrity and competence. As a regulator with a clear public-interest mandate, their Vancouver-based team of over 110 staff licenses and regulates the activities of over 50,000 insurance agents, salespersons, and adjusters in British Columbia.

For further details, see the Insurance Council’s website and their current Strategic Plan.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Insurance Council is looking for a proven leader and legal professional to join its leadership team as General Counsel. The General Counsel will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and serves as both a member of and advisor to the organization’s Leadership Team

This role offers the opportunity to lead and shape the existing legal department. The General Counsel provides strategic legal oversight across all areas of the organization, including administrative law, investigations, policy, governance, privacy, and risk management.

The General Counsel is a strategic leader responsible for developing and implementing legal services within a regulatory environment and overseeing expert legal advisory services. As a skillful people leader and mentor, the General Counsel will guide a team of lawyers,  paralegals and legal assistants.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The General Counsel’s portfolio will include emphasis on supporting and advising on broader organizational priorities as a member of the Leadership Team, and oversight and leadership of the legal department, which will emphasize coaching, mentorship, and the resolution of escalated files and matters.

Legal Strategy and Advice:

  • Develop and implement the organization’s legal strategy, policies, and procedures in line with legislation and the overall corporate strategy.
  • Provide legal advice for inquiries, audits, complaints, investigations, disciplinary processes, and licensing suitability matters in accordance with legislation and Council policies.
  • Prepare, review, and provide legal analysis of proposed policies, guidelines, rules, and legislation.
  • Act as the organization’s Privacy Officer and oversee compliance with FOIPPA including responses to FOI requests.
  • Conduct legal research and gather information and data from various sources.

Legal Documentation and Support:

  • Oversee the drafting of correspondence to complainants, applicants, licensees, and others.
  • Facilitate the preparation of production orders and subpoenas.
  • Oversee legal support for Council’s Review and Licensing Committees by coordinating cases to be presented, providing legal advice and training, and facilitating the preparation of committee reports.
  • Oversee the drafting and circulation of intended decisions and orders.
  • Lead the coordination and preparation for hearings including organizing and training hearing committees, engaging with counsel for all parties, updating hearing guidance documents and overseeing evidence disclosure.
  • Oversee the organization’s participation in Financial Services Tribunal appeals and judicial reviews.
  • Engage external legal counsel as required.

Leadership and Management:

  • Provide leadership to department team members, including hiring, performance management, and support to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
  • Contribute as a member of the senior management team in organizational oversight and strategy.
  • Present to stakeholders as a representative of the Insurance Council.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The General Counsel will possess a reputable background capable of leading a team of experienced and specialized lawyers, serving as the organization’s principal legal advisor. Ideal candidates should be senior administrative/regulatory lawyers with proven leadership and people-management experience, in comparable settings, such as in-house, regulatory bodies, tribunals, or government positions or private practice at the partner-level, with direct management responsibilities.

Experience in regulated professions is preferred, and an understanding of insurance or financial services will be an asset.

COMPENSATION AND SEARCH PROCESS

The Insurance Council offers a competitive compensation package, including a salary range between $210,000-$250,000, RRSP matching contributions, five weeks of annual vacation, LTD plan, EFAP, health and dental (100% employer paid), and a health spending account.

The search process includes shortlisting and committee interviews. Finalists will be asked to provide comprehensive references and complete a thorough background check.

In respect of inclusion, we encourage candidates who may require accommodations to contact us directly with related questions, which can be addressed in confidence.

For more information, or to apply for this role, please contact Dave Namkung at dave@smithlegalsearch.com.

This is an exclusive search.

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