Senior Surety Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel – Surety | Aviva Canada

At Aviva, we believe in the strength of working together. Our shared values — Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence — guide everything we do.

Aviva Canada is a prominent player in the property and casualty insurance sector, providing a wide range of coverage — from home and auto to lifestyle and commercial insurance — to more than 2.5 million customers nationwide. As part of UK-based Aviva plc, we draw on over three centuries of global insurance expertise and financial strength.

We are currently seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join our corporate legal team within the General Counsel’s office. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with our Surety business in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. We’re looking for a strategic, business-oriented lawyer with at least five years of relevant legal experience in-house or in private practice.

Your Role:

As dedicated legal support for our Surety division, you’ll be a key member of its senior leadership team. You'll advise on a broad range of corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters across areas including Contract Surety, Developer Surety, and Commercial Surety. You’ll also work closely with the legal team and business leaders on restructuring, transactions, and other initiatives involving surety matters.

We’re looking for someone who’s practical, solutions-driven, and confident navigating complex legal frameworks. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with a proven ability to manage legal risk while advancing business priorities.

Key Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in a Canadian province

• Minimum 5 years of post-call experience in private practice and/or corporate legal departments

• Deep understanding of Canadian corporate and commercial law

• Expertise in banking, finance, and insolvency law is strongly preferred

• Experience in construction, surety, or insurance law is a significant asset

• Skilled at advising senior leadership and managing external relationships

• Exceptional drafting and negotiation abilities

• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and judgment

• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively

• A proactive, collaborative mindset with the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs

Why Join Aviva:

• A competitive compensation package including base salary, annual bonus eligibility, retirement savings, and a share plan

• Generous vacation policy, with the ability to purchase additional days off

• Access to wellness initiatives and health benefits from day one

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements that support work/life balance

• Career development support, including educational sponsorship

• A diverse and inclusive workplace, with employee-led programs supporting LGBTQ+, gender equity, and cultural diversity

• Volunteer programs and personal wellness benefits

Please note: We may use AI tools to support our recruitment process. This is a newly created role and is open to both internal and external candidates.

Aviva Canada is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of your employment journey due to a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner to ensure appropriate support is provided.