Senior Legal Counsel, Pensions in Toronto, Canada

May 22, 2025

We are working with a successful and growing organization in the pension investment sector. Our client operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a strong commitment to long-term value, collaboration, and responsible investing. With a focus on sustainable retirement outcomes, this organization plays a key role in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation through its governance and operations.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned pension lawyer to join an innovative legal and governance team and make a meaningful impact. The company offers a progressive workplace culture, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and unique exposure to complex, high-value legal work within the pension space.

 

Job Description – Senior Legal Counsel (Pensions)

 

Reporting to the Managing Director, Pension Law & Governance, the Senior Legal Counsel will play a critical role in advising on legal and regulatory matters related to the pension plan, onboarding of new participating employers, and the development of key internal processes and member services. This is a high-impact role for a self-motivated and knowledgeable pension lawyer seeking an opportunity to lead, collaborate, and contribute to a broader legal strategy in a non-siloed team structure.

The successful candidate will bring 7–10 years of experience, including a deep knowledge of the Pension Benefits Act and the Income Tax Act (Registered Pension Plan regulations), as well as demonstrated ability to navigate complex pension plan issues. Experience in a law firm, pension fund, or consulting firm is preferred. Exposure to pension plan conversions, transfers, and sophisticated stakeholder environments will be considered strong assets.

This role is based in downtown Toronto with a hybrid work model (minimum two days per week in-office).

 

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

 

  • Provide legal advice and practical solutions to Pension Services, Compliance, Actuarial, Communications, Risk, Engagement, and Strategy teams.
  • Lead or support legal analysis and negotiation for new plan onboarding and pension plan transfers.
  • Conduct research and analysis related to pension plan interpretation and implementation of plan administration systems and data conversion projects.
  • Provide legal input into member communications and dispute resolution matters.
  • Assist in resolving complex regulatory issues with stakeholders and government bodies.
  • Monitor and assess evolving legal requirements in pension, administrative, employment, and privacy law.
  • Collaborate with the Engagement and Strategy team on legal aspects of integrating new employers.
  • Partner with the Privacy Officer to support member data privacy and risk mitigation.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal operations, including knowledge management systems.
  • Assist with governance support including Board and Committee work as required.
  • Engage and manage relationships with external counsel as needed.
  • Contribute to a strong and collaborative legal and governance team culture, with an eye to succession planning and long-term organizational development.

 

Education and Professional Skills/Knowledge

 

  • LL.B. or J.D. degree (or equivalent).
  • Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
  • 7–10 years of post-call experience, with a focus on pension administration, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships with confidence, diplomacy, and legal clarity.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Excellent project management, strategic judgment, and problem-solving skills.
  • A collaborative and inclusive mindset; ability to work seamlessly across business units and teams.
  • High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and discretion.

 

This is an exclusive search.

The Counsel Network, a Caldwell company, is committed to building a diverse legal community through our inclusive business and recruitment practices. We value diversity of experience, expertise, and background, and strive to eliminate barriers historically encountered by marginalized groups. We recognize that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce benefits and enriches both the legal profession and the greater community.

 

To apply for this position: caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1236

 

For more information or to apply for this position, contact:

Miriam Leung, Principal
mleung@caldwell.com
647.317.1610
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