As an Articling Law Student in Legal Advisory Services with the Department of National Defence, you will gain practical legal experience while completing your articling requirements under the supervision of qualified lawyers. You will provide legal advice and support on a wide range of matters affecting the department, including military law, administrative law, procurement, labour relations, and constitutional issues. This role offers you the opportunity to develop professional competencies in a dynamic, meaningful environment while serving Canada's defence and security interests.
In this position, you will work alongside experienced legal professionals, conducting legal research, drafting legal opinions and memoranda, reviewing contracts and legislation, and assisting with legal proceedings. You will be exposed to complex issues spanning operational, strategic, and administrative domains unique to a military organization. Your work will directly support senior leadership and contribute to informed decision-making across the department.
You will work in a professional office environment, typically located in Ottawa or other major Canadian cities where DND has legal services. The role combines independent research and writing with collaborative teamwork, mentorship from practicing lawyers, and exposure to the federal legal system and government operations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legal advisory services support to departmental clients, Research and analyze legal issues and precedents, Draft legal opinions, contracts, and regulatory instruments, Advise on legal risks and compliance requirements
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To be eligible for an Articling Law Student position, you must be a law school graduate enrolled in or about to commence an articling program accredited by your provincial or territorial law society. You will need to have successfully completed your Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree from a Canadian law school recognized by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
During your articling term with DND, you will receive structured mentorship and on-the-job training from experienced legal counsel. This practical experience counts toward your mandatory articling requirements set by your provincial law society. You will develop expertise in government law, military law, and federal administrative processes.
Professional development is supported through access to government legal training programs, continuing legal education opportunities, and professional association memberships. Upon completing your articling and passing the bar examination in your province or territory, you will be well-positioned for a career as a lawyer within the federal Public Service or the private sector.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through federal government recruitment competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Board and DND's careers website. Competitions are usually open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the educational and eligibility requirements.
DND may also recruit articling law students through targeted recruitment from Canadian law schools and through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or similar student recruitment initiatives. Some positions may be filled through the transition of students who participated in summer law student programs with the department.
You may also enter this career stream by applying during general recruitment campaigns for legal positions within the Public Service. Lateral movement from other government departments' legal services is possible for those who have completed articling elsewhere in the federal government.
Part-Time Options
Articling Law Student positions are typically full-time, as articling requirements set by provincial law societies generally require a minimum number of hours and continuous engagement throughout the articling period.
Once articling is complete and you transition to a permanent Legal Counsel or Lawyer position within DND, flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and supervisor approval. Many legal advisory roles in government support hybrid or flexible schedules, with some work performed remotely. Formal part-time options are limited in legal positions due to the nature of legal advice delivery and client service demands, but individual accommodations may be negotiated based on personal circumstances and business needs. We encourage you to discuss flexibility options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.
