The Litigation Lawyer ensures the company is effectively represented in legal disputes, with a strong focus on cases related to life insurance policies, claims, distribution, customer complaints, and regulatory matters. The role provides strategic and practical legal guidance throughout the dispute lifecycle—assessing case merits, managing external counsel, and supporting internal teams to achieve fair and compliant outcomes. It involves reviewing evidence, preparing legal documents, and developing litigation strategies that protect the company’s interests while maintaining a customer-centric and ethical approach.

Litigation Lawyer closely monitors legal developments, court precedents, and industry-specific regulatory changes that may impact the company’s dispute management practices. This role contributes to strengthening internal controls, improving claims and distribution processes, and reducing legal exposure. Through active collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Claims, Operations, Compliance, and Risk, the Litigation Lawyer supports the organization in managing legal risks, resolving disputes efficiently, and upholding strong corporate governance and long-term sustainability.

Position Responsibilities:

• Handle a broad range of operational legal matters, including providing timely support on day‑to‑day legal inquiries from all levels of the business unit.
• Provide well‑reasoned legal opinions and recommendations to Senior Counsel on various issues impacting the organization.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to support Counsel/Senior Counsel in decision‑making and case preparation.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and industry developments relevant to the business, and prepare updates, summaries, and impact assessments for Counsel.
• Represent the company in selected industry forums, conferences, and presentations as required.
• Review, draft, and, where applicable, participate in the negotiation of legal documents, agreements, and correspondence to ensure alignment with company policies and legal standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant legal experience, preferably within corporate, commercial, or insurance-related practice areas.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and professionally.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial principles and risk management is an asset.
• Developing influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at various levels.
• Strong ability to identify legal issues, assess risks, and propose practical solutions.
• Proven ability to interpret statutory provisions and case law accurately and effectively.
• Skilled in drafting legal documents, contracts, and correspondence with precision and professionalism.
• Operates with tact, discretion, and a high level of professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Member in good standing with the Bar and licensed to practice law in the respective jurisdiction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Hybrid