Job Description

The initio Technology & Innovation Law Clinic is seeking a Junior Lawyer to support its work at the forefront of innovation. Operated by the Schulich School of Law, the Clinic has a dual purpose to 1) support entrepreneurship and innovation, and 2) provide hands-on learning opportunities through clinical legal education. The Clinic collaborates with other services in the Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem to provide much needed support and assistance to early-stage inventors, creators and community organizations. Alongside providing legal information and advice, the Clinic contributes to community and public education initiatives.
Reporting to the Director of the initio Technology & Innovation Law Clinic, the Junior Lawyer will offer individual representation to clients and will be responsible for client file management, client advocacy and public education in the areas of organizational structuring (business, not-for-profit, and social enterprise), privacy, technology and intellectual property law matters.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in carrying out the Clinic's dual purposes.
• Provide legal advice and services in the areas of corporate-commercial law, privacy law, intellectual property and technology law. Engage in interviewing, drafting, client advocacy and the Clinic's educational initiatives.
• Maintain high standards as it relates to professional responsibility, file management and other organizational practices.
• Provide support for the initio clinical education program by contributing to trainings, demonstration of duties, student evaluation and file transitions as required.
• Contribute to oral and written communications on legal issues relating to emerging technologies.
• Work with other services in the innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem locally, regionally and nationally on collaborative initiatives.

Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Work hours may be irregular during peak periods due to operational requirements.
Required Qualifications

• Practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society or eligible in a short time frame either as a new call or with up to two years' experience as a lawyer.
• Experience in corporate-commercial law is essential as are strong drafting, client communication and interpersonal skills.
• Broad perspective on the role of a community law office working in the technology and innovation sector.
• Ability to engage critically on legal topics related to emerging technologies.

Assets

• Familiarity with intellectual property and/or privacy & technology law.
• Clinical training or experience preferred.

Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in the professional standards to which a practicing lawyer in Nova Scotia is subject and in Dalhousie's core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Service

Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Applications from university employees and external candidates are given concurrent consideration. Among short-listed candidates, university employees will be given special consideration.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Date 05/09/2025
Close Date 05/16/2025
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents * Rxc3xa9sumxc3xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter