Job Description

Competition # : 47878
Department: Justice
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Legal - NSPG
Closing Date: 16-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
The Department of Justice, Legal Services Division is the law firm for the Province of Nova Scotia.
Justice lawyers participate in a broad range of legal issues, providing legal services to the Crown and promoting fair and lawful administration of public affairs in accordance with the law. As the Government's law firm, we are committed to providing excellence in client service.
For more information on the Department of Justice Legal Services Division please visit
About Our Opportunity
In this key role, you will provide strategic, solutions oriented legal services to the Attorney General and senior government leaders, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs, and other senior officials, on matters and litigation that are complex, sensitive, of major strategic importance to government, and of significant public interest.
You will specifically provide legal advice to Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister, and Associate Deputy Attorney Generals and Associate Deputy Ministers on constitutional law and issues involving the rule of law and administration of justice.
You will support the direct provision of legal advice to the Premier's Office, the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, other Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Cabinet staff, and senior staff of ministries, as directed by the Executive Director.
You will identify important and urgent legal issues, in collaboration with the Executive Director, advising when and who to inform regarding evolving situations. You are sensitive to the communication requirements that arise with emerging and ongoing matters.
As a senior leader in the Legal Services Division, you will mentor lawyers across the Division on issues of substantive law, ethics and government practice in their efforts to provide high quality legal services. You will work collaboratively with the lawyers, and where appropriate, take the lead on sensitive, controversial and complex legal matters.
Primary Accountabilities
As Senior Counsel, you will:

• Deliver high-quality legal advice on high-profile, strategic, or sensitive issues.
• Represent government in litigation, negotiations, and advocacy before courts and tribunals.
• Support and guide members of the Division, offering mentorship, expertise, and leadership on challenging files.
• Collaborate closely with client departments to ensure they are fully informed, appropriately consulted, and equipped with the best possible legal direction.
• Provide sound, independent decision-making on complex legal matters.
• Stay current on relevant statutes, legal trends, jurisprudence, and developments in public law.
• Contribute to the culture and success of the Division by showing initiative, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Qualifications and Experience
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Counsel to join our team, who meets the following requirements:
Membership in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society or eligible for immediate membership, with at least fifteen (15) years of Call to the Bar.
At least eight (8) years of experience providing high quality and timely legal advice to government or in a government setting, at least five (5) of which are within the Nova Scotia Legal Services Division, Department of Justice.
Significant experience as a practicing lawyer, with demonstrated expertise managing complex, sensitive, or high profile legal matters.
Sound knowledge of the depth and diversity of legal services required by government and the operational policies and frameworks that are required to support the provision of these services in a timely, effective and responsive manner.
Experience establishing collaborative relationships with senior executives and leaders to gain consensus on associated legal matters.
Ability to demonstrate superior public relations skills in different forums while considering various competing issues facing the Department of Justice.
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work as part of a team and to exercise superior independent judgement and decision making.
Strong litigation, negotiation, and advocacy skills, including representation at senior levels.
A proven ability to provide clear, strategic, and timely legal advice to senior decision makers.
High professional integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage a high volume of work without compromising standards.
Experience mentoring or coaching other legal professionals is considered a strong asset.
Excellent analytical, communication, and problem solving abilities, especially in situations requiring creativity, diplomacy, and a steady hand.
Equivalency
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Benefits
Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .
Additional Information
This competition is for one (1) permanent position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus

Pay Grade: LSM 01
Salary Range: $7,274.76 - $7,856.74 Bi-Weekly
The salary rates include an economic adjustment that has been approved. These rates are effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on March 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the applicable policies.
Employment Equity Statement:
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Skills Required