ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING  

Descartes was born out of the conviction that the ever-increasing complexity of risks faced by corporations, governments and vulnerable communities calls for a renewed approach in insurance. Our team brings together industry veterans from the most renowned institutions (AXA, SCOR, Swiss Re, Marsh, Aon, ...) and scientists on top of their field to bring underwriting excellence. After 5 years of existence, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric insurance for weather and climate-related risks utilizing machine learning, real-time monitoring from satellite imagery & IoT. After a successful Series B raise of $120M USD, we launched Descartes Insurance, a 'full stack' insurer licensed to underwrite risk by the French regulator ACPR. With a growing corporate client base (350+ and counting), our diverse team is headquartered in Paris and operates out of our 13 global offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Descartes is trusted by a panel of A-rated (re)insurers to carry out its activities.
 

ABOUT YOUR ROLE

We are looking to hire a dedicated Legal Counsel to join our Legal and Compliance team. You will report to the General Counsel, work with and support other members of the legal team and of the business departments. You will be a key contributor of the deployment of legal projects for the entities of the Group, Descartes Insurance, Descartes Underwriting and their affiliates outside France.

Your responsibilities would include:

• Looking at insurance regulatory questions and providing advice to comply with applicable laws and regulations in areas where the Group operates;
• Assistance in the review and strengthening of legal wording of insurance policies, reinsurance contracts other insurance related documentation;
• Provision of guidance to the local teams, sometimes with the support of external legal advisers for maintenance of license including preparation of regulatory filings, identifications of regulatory constraints and guidance to the business team;
• Arrange for legal watch on the development of insurance laws and regulations;
• Work on coordination of the maintenance of proper insurance covers for the Descartes entities (professional indemnity etc…);
• Assistance in the review of commercial contracts, non-disclosure agreements, cooperation agreements.

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• A masters’ degree (in France or abroad) in the field of insurance law;
  
• 1 to 4 years of experience (including internships/apprenticeships) in legal positions either in-house or in a law firm, at least part of it working for the insurance industry or advising insurers or insurance brokers is required;
• Previous relevant experience in the drafting of insurance policy wording, of reinsurance arrangements and on advising on some insurance law questions is appreciated.

SKILLS

• Good knowledge of insurance law;
• Drafting skills;
• Analytic and pragmatic mindset; 
• Good communication skills (written and verbal);
• Fluency in French and English is required (oral and written).
  

MINDSET

• Motivated by insurance and innovation with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to be a team player, willingness to understand the business needs and to interact with the business team to support them;
• Eagerness to learn and to work in an international and fast growing environment;
• Flexibility, curiosity and capacity to work on different types of tasks.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING ?

• Opportunity to work and learn with teams from the most prestigious schools and research labs in the world, allowing you to progress towards technical excellence;
• Commitment from Descartes to its staff of continued learning and development (think annual seminars, training etc.) ;
• Work in a collaborative & professional environment ;
• Be part of an international team, passionate about diversity ;
• Join a company with a true purpose – help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;
• A competitive salary, bonus and benefits;
• You can benefit from a punctual home office days.

At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish value of diversity whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.

With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Step 1: HR Interview with our Talent Recruiter
• Step 2: Manager interview
• Step 3: Final round interview with the team