As an Articling Law Student in Legislative Services, you will gain practical legal experience while completing your mandatory articling requirement to become a licensed lawyer. You will work within the Department of National Defence's Legislative Services team, supporting the development, review, and interpretation of legislation, policies, and legal instruments that govern defence and security operations. This role bridges your law school education and professional legal practice, providing mentorship from experienced lawyers and exposure to complex federal legislative matters.
Your responsibilities will include conducting legal research, drafting legislative proposals and amendments, analyzing the impact of proposed laws on DND operations, and supporting the provision of legal advice to senior leadership and operational units. You will work collaboratively with other government departments, Parliament, and external stakeholders on matters related to defence legislation. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of how legislation is developed and applied within a large federal organization.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily in Ottawa, collaborating with legal counsel, policy advisors, and program managers. The Legislative Services function plays a critical role in ensuring DND operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, making your contributions directly relevant to the Department's mission and Canada's national defence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legislative 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
You must be a law graduate who has completed your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent law degree recognized in Canada. You must be enrolled in or eligible to enroll in an articling program accredited by your provincial or territorial law society. Completion of articling is a mandatory requirement before you can be called to the bar and practice as a lawyer.
The Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities during your articling term, including access to internal training programs, legal research resources, and mentorship from senior legal counsel. You will develop expertise in legislative drafting, constitutional law as it applies to defence matters, administrative law, and federal government operations. Upon completion of your articling and successful completion of bar admission exams in your jurisdiction, you will be eligible to transition into permanent lawyer positions within DND or other federal government departments.
Entry Plans
Entry into this articling position typically occurs through public service staffing processes managed by the Department of National Defence. These may include advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or through targeted recruitment from law schools across Canada.
You may also enter through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) if you have not yet graduated, or through co-op placements if your law school participates in such programs. Some candidates transition to articling positions after completing internships or student positions within DND or other federal legal services.
Lateral moves from other government departments' legal services, provincial governments, or private practice are also possible for candidates seeking to pursue their articling requirement within a federal context. Interested candidates should monitor DND's careers website and the Public Service Commission job board for advertised positions in Legislative Services.
Part-Time Options
Articling positions in Legislative Services are typically full-time, as the role requires continuous presence and involvement in ongoing legislative projects and department operations. However, flexible scheduling and telework arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your supervisor, particularly for specific research projects or legal writing tasks that do not require daily in-office presence.
Remote work options may be available for portions of your articling term, depending on departmental needs and the nature of your assigned work. The federal public service has expanded flexible work arrangements post-2020, and DND is committed to supporting work-life balance while maintaining operational effectiveness. Any part-time or flexible arrangements would need to be approved by your supervising lawyer and the Legislative Services management team, and must ensure you gain the comprehensive articling experience required by your provincial law society.
