General Counsel

Description

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.

The Opportunity

The General Counsel is a strategic legal leader responsible for overseeing all legal services within a complex regulatory environment. This role ensures compliance with applicable legislation, provides expert legal advisory services, and supports organizational governance. As a member of the Leadership Team, the General Counsel acts as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior executives while leading a team of legal professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Legal Strategy & Advisory
  • Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Provide advice on regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management.
  • Interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and case law relevant to the insurance sector.
  • Act as the organization’s Privacy Officer and oversee compliance with FOIPPA including the organization’s responses to FOI requests.
• Regulatory & Policy Development
  • Draft, review, and update rules, policies, and practice directives.
  • Lead legislative reform initiatives and liaise with government agencies.
  • Ensure compliance with the Financial Institutions Act, Insurance Act, Council Rules, and Code of Conduct.
  • Partner with the Regulatory Director group to anticipate legal and regulatory trends and align organizational priorities with evolving compliance and requirements.
  • Work collaboratively with governing bodies at the provincial and national level to facilitate harmonization of requirements where appropriate.
• Leadership 
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing legal team, including lawyers, and paralegals.
  • Contribute as a member of the senior management in organizational oversight and strategy.
  • Foster strong relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and external legal partners.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate legal risks across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Law degree (LLB or JD) and membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience, with significant expertise in administrative law. 
• Proven leadership experience managing legal teams and complex regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of insurance legislation, governance principles, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to draft legislation, rules, and policy documents.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

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/primary residence in BC)
• Professional development
• Equitable employment opportunities

Salary Range: $185,522 - $266,688 with a midpoint of $$231,903 per annum.
The P50 of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.