Counsel

Manulife•Toronto, ON

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Manulife is seeking a mid-level corporate/commercial lawyer to join our in-house legal team and support our Canadian wealth business. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the growth and profitability of the company while deepening your expertise in a highly specialized and impactful area of the law. Reporting to the Vice President and Chief Counsel, Canada Wealth, the successful candidate will have relevant experience in the financial services industry, strong technical skills and a desire to work in a collaborative and agile environment. The role is important to ensuring that Canada Wealth operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in a highly-regulated industry and effectively meets its strategic objectives, manages its legal and compliance risks and maintains a reputation with regulators and the public as a highly-regarded dealer, high-net worth portfolio manager and insurance MGA. The successful candidate will provide legal analysis, advice, counsel and direction to Manulife Wealth and Manulife Private Wealth, including its Business Development, Strategy, Product, Compliance and Operations functions.

Requirements

Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
Minimum six years’ relevant experience with a law firm or financial institution
Expertise in corporate and securities distribution law, compliance and regulatory experience (CIRO, OSC)

Nice To Haves

Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
Proven negotiation and influence skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to assess and balance work priorities and manage client expectations effectively
Ability to shift focus smoothly and reassess priorities in response to changing circumstances
Ability to display good judgment in assisting internal stakeholders in managing and balancing legal and business risks
Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
High degree of adaptability and professionalism
Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment
Bilingualism (French) is an asset

Responsibilities

Provide clear, practical legal support and advice on dealer, investment counselling/portfolio management, corporate and regulatory matters
Anticipate and guard against legal risks on a variety of complex projects and initiatives related to securities and insurance businesses
Provide comprehensive legal support for the achievement of the business’ strategic objectives and ensure daily operations are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Provide specialized expertise and support with respect to the distribution of securities and life insurance
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, including service agreements and those related to product distribution
Partner with internal stakeholders to support corporate and advisor transactions
Provide legal advice on the daily operations of the dealer and MGA, such as reviewing and drafting forms and client-facing documents and communications
Advise on the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures and risk mitigation strategies
Monitor and assess legal and regulatory developments
Utilize AI and other tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the legal function

Benefits

health
dental
mental health
vision
short- and long-term disability
life and AD&D insurance coverage
adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits
employee/family assistance plans
various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions)
financial education and counseling resources
paid holidays
vacation
personal
sick days