The Professional Liability Program (PLP) has provided malpractice protection to dentists since 1973. The program has evolved to become the organization dentists can contact, not just for claims and litigation assistance but for advice on how to prevent a situation from becoming a claim. The program is also involved with other risk management activities, including presenting to dental groups, large and small. PLP is now under the Navacord family of companies and is associated with TCIM and Allmed.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
This role manages dental-legal issues and malpractice claims reported by dentists to the Professional Liability Program. The lawyer provides advice, investigates allegations, supervises external counsel, and represents dentists’ interests. It includes conducting legal research, delivering preventative guidance, and reporting to insurers in accordance with their guidelines.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide legal advice and guidance to dentists on a wide range of dental-legal matters
- Investigate reported dental-legal issues and advise dentists on options and strategies to help them resolve disputes.
- Manage dental malpractice files by analyzing allegations and the potential value of claims.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support decision-making and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Identify potential legal risks, develop strategies to mitigate claims proactively, and educate dentists through one-on-one discussions
- Supervise files handled by defence counsel including approving legal invoices for services.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align legal considerations with operational and strategic objectives.
- Maintain a high standard of confidentiality, ethics, and professionalism in all dealings.
- Attend dental continuing education seminars with the staff dentist and present the legal component of presentations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- 3–5 years of post-call experience practicing law preferably in the area of medical malpractice or personal injury.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance frameworks
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide practical and business-focused legal advice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts in clear and accessible language
- High attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills in managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders across all levels of the organization
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
COMPENSATION AND TOTAL REWARDS:
- Base annual hiring salary ideally from $125,000 to $138,000, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive vacation plan and health benefits package
- A matched group RRSP of 3%
- LSO fees and continuing education course fees paid - and other career-related learning and development opportunities
Navacord is actively committed to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. We serve and recognize and respect human differences and similarities. We value the diversity of people and actively encourage women, indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ2+) persons to apply. We are committed to providing accommodation upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
