Legal Counsel

**Our Client** Our client is a Canadian specialized financial institution that provides group annuity solutions designed to help pension plans transfer risk while ensuring stable, long\-term income for members. They are launching a new insurance distribution channel and are seeking an experienced insurance lawyer to design and implement its compliance framework. This role will serve as the organization’s subject\-matter expert on insurance distribution, playing a key role in establishing governance practices, monitoring protocols, and controls aligned with CCIR expectations and industry best practices. **Responsibilities** * Design and implement a comprehensive insurance distribution compliance framework aligned with regulatory requirements and market conduct standards * Develop policies, procedures, and controls across key areas such as licensing, suitability, underwriting authority, marketing compliance, and complaint handling * Establish and manage a regulatory risk assessment and compliance monitoring program * Lead oversight of distribution partners (MGAs, brokers, agents), including due diligence, contract standards, and performance monitoring * Provide legal guidance on distribution agreements, compensation structures, and conflict\-of\-interest management * Support product governance, including product design, lifecycle oversight, and adherence to Fair Treatment of Customers (FTC) principles * Interpret insurance legislation, regulations, and regulatory guidance * Develop and deliver training programs for internal teams and external partners * Draft, review, and negotiate distribution and compliance\-related agreements * Create contractual templates supporting regulatory and oversight requirements * In addition to building the compliance framework, the successful candidate will support broader corporate insurance operations, including negotiating third\-party agreements and advising on distribution strategies **Requirements** * LL.B. or J.D. with 2\+ years of experience in insurance regulatory law, distribution compliance, or related legal practice * Strong knowledge of provincial insurance legislation, CCIR framework, and market conduct standards * Experience advising within insurance distribution channels * Demonstrated ability to design and implement compliance programs * Excellent communication, drafting, and stakeholder management skills * Ability to work independently and deliver practical, business\-focused solutions * Experience in risk management, operational compliance, or internal audit is considered an asset **REF\# LI1660**