Legal Counsel
Dublin, IE
Full Time Permanent Contract position
Hybrid role based in our City Centre offices, with on-site attendance three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).
What we offer
We have embraced a hybrid working model for most of our positions, which means that you can enjoy a balanced approach of working from home for part of the week and working from the office for the remainder of the week.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salaries and bonuses, robust Learning and Development support, excellent Defined Contribution pension and comprehensive Wellbeing initiatives and support to name but a few.
Further details on our benefits package can be accessed here Benefits (life-careers.com)
Role Overview
We are seeking a talented and commercially minded transactions lawyer with 2 – 4 years’ post-qualification experience to join our growing Legal team.
Experience in reinsurance is not essential. Our experienced team will share their knowledge and mentor the successful candidate in the nuances of the reinsurance sector.
The role will involve collaborating with our global Legal team to provide legal support on reinsurance businesses across the EMEA, US and APAC regions. You will draft and review contract wordings and, with the support of our team, participate in business engagements to understand how reinsurance transactions are negotiated, drafted, and finalised. The role offers the opportunity to work on high‑value and sophisticated reinsurance transactions, commercial projects, as well as supporting our global business on other legal matters with the support of external counsel, where necessary.
About the Team
Our team supports reinsurance business throughout the EMEA, US and APAC regions. We work collaboratively to draft, review, and negotiate reinsurance contract wordings that protect our company's interests while meeting client needs. We pride ourselves on our legal expertise, business acumen, and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical solutions that drive our business forward.
About You
The ideal candidate will have a commercial mindset and can translate complex legal language into clear, precise, and accessible business context. A team player at the beginning of your career, you bring enthusiasm for learning and growing within the insurance/reinsurance sector. You have a collaborative approach, strong attention to detail, and solid analytical skills. Your communication abilities enable you to collaborate effectively with colleagues and progressively build confidence in client interactions. You are adaptable, eager to learn and take ownership of your development within a positive and supportive environment.
Responsibilities
- Build legal expertise in the creation and drafting of reinsurance and other agreements with support and guidance from senior colleagues.
- Review and analyze reinsurance contracts and related documents to ensure alignment with business intent and corporate requirements.
- Learn compliance frameworks to align contracts with applicable laws, regulations, and internal requirements.
- Participate in negotiations alongside experienced team members, gaining exposure to discussions with internal partners, external counterparties, and brokers.
- Contribute to innovation by supporting AI-driven enhancements of contract management IT infrastructure and tools.
- Assist in the creation of training materials and support with training delivery.
- Apply governance standards to contract wordings and processes.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, Actuarial, Business Development, Underwriting, and Executive teams.
- Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on regulatory and governance matters.
Education & Experience:
- University degree in law.
- A minimum of 2 years’ post qualification experience gained in a reputable law firm and/or in‑house legal department.
- Experience in negotiating and drafting transaction agreements and other commercial contracts.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong understanding of general corporate and commercial principles.
- Knowledge and experience of privacy law, finance/banking law, the reinsurance, or insurance sectors or in a regulated industry is desirable, but not essential.
- Attention to detail and a thorough and analytical mindset.
- Strong organisational and project‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple legal workstreams.
- Proactive and solution focused approach to problem‑solving.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent people/interpersonal and client service skills; professional and positive demeanor and experience working collaboratively as part of a team.
- Agile, pragmatic, and can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.
About us
Canada Life Reinsurance (CL Re) is a division of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (Lifeco) and a leading provider of client focused reinsurance solutions in the United States, Europe and Asia. CL Re offers a range of innovative risk and capital management solutions covering mortality, longevity, health, lapse, investment, non-life and P&C risk for insurers, reinsurers, and pension funds. CL Re is continuing to expand the solutions it offers to new and existing clients in many global markets.
CL Re has offices in Dublin, Toronto, Philadelphia, Bermuda, Barbados, and Regina. The Dublin office is the base for CL Re’s European and Asian operations as well as the Irish reinsurance entity, Canada Life Re Ireland dac (CLReI). It comprises approximately 180 reinsurance professionals, including 120 actuaries and trainee actuaries. It is a proactive, inspiring, and friendly environment where talent and hard work are recognised and rewarded.
Lifeco is a Canadian headquarter, international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses. Lifeco and its companies have approximately 33,000 employees, $3.3 trillion in consolidated assets under administration and a capital ratio (LICAT) of 128% (as at 31/12/2025).
As a Company we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.
The company reserves the right to draw up a shortlist as part of the selection process. Where Agency assistance is required the Canada Life Recruitment Team will engage directly with suppliers. Unsolicited CVs / profiles supplied to Canada Life Reinsurance by Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this role.
Canada Life Group Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer. We have created an environment of inclusion and growth to help people achieve their potential, to ensure they can bring their whole selves to work and to feel valued. We celebrate diversity of thought and perspective and want all of our employees to feel valued, respected and supported. We have built a culture that promotes equality and inclusion for all of our current and future employees and strive to ensure that our behaviours, processes and practices are aligned to this culture.
If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process please contact Lifecareers@irishlife.ie and we will be delighted to ensure you are fully supported to be your best.
CLGS supports Equal Opportunity and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.