Isabelle Durand, Senior Vice-President, Legal Affairs, Procurement and Data Governance and Chief Legal Officer at iA Financial Group (TSX: IAG), was named In-House Legal Leader of the Year at the fourth annual Canadian In-House Counsel Celebration, held Oct. 8 in Toronto.

The award is co-presented by the Canadian Bar Association's In-House Lawyers division and Legal 500. It recognizes legal leadership, strategic insight and expertise in advancing ethical standards and organizational goals.

"I am honoured to receive this recognition, which also reflects the expertise, commitment and collaborative spirit of our legal team," Durand said. "Every day, our team works alongside our business partners to enable growth, strengthen sound decision-making and help iA manage legal risk with discipline."

iA Financial Group's legal team operates across Canada and the United States, covering corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, investments, litigation, commercial agreements, employment, regulatory matters and government relations. The team recently supported iA's acquisition of RF Capital Group Inc., the parent of Richardson Wealth.

According to a company statement, iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States, and has been listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange since its founding in 1892.