As an Attorney General in the Department of National Defence, you provide senior legal counsel and strategic advice to the Deputy Minister and senior leadership on complex constitutional, administrative, and defence-related legal matters. You lead a team of legal professionals and oversee the legal services branch, ensuring compliance with federal legislation, Treasury Board policies, and international obligations. Your work directly impacts DND operations, procurement, human resources, and strategic defence initiatives at the highest organizational levels.
In this role, you manage significant legal portfolios including litigation, legislative drafting, legal policy development, and advice on governance issues. You represent DND before courts, tribunals, and other adjudicative bodies, and coordinate with other government departments, the Department of Justice, and external stakeholders on matters of national importance. You work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your legal expertise shapes organizational decisions and supports Canada's defence mandate.
This is a senior executive position requiring sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex legal and political landscapes. You demonstrate leadership excellence, foster a collaborative legal team, and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and legal ethics.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general legal services programs and initiatives, Advise senior management on policy and operational matters, Manage human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives, Represent the organization in interdepartmental and external forums, Ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives
Required Skills
Legal research, Analytical reasoning, Legislative drafting, Client advisory, Precedent analysis, Executive leadership, Strategic vision, Stakeholder management at the most senior levels, Ministerial advisory
Typical Education
Graduate degree typically required; extensive senior executive experience in the federal public service
Training
Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a recognized law school and be in good standing as a member of a Canadian law society (provincial bar association). Advanced legal education, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or specialized credentials in constitutional law, administrative law, or international law, is valuable.
Professional development in this role includes ongoing participation in executive leadership programs, senior management training through the Canada School of Public Service, and specialized courses in government law, procurement law, and defence policy. You maintain active membership in your law society and may pursue continuing legal education in emerging areas such as cyber law, national security law, or international humanitarian law. As a member of the senior executive cadre, you engage in executive coaching, strategic leadership development, and interdepartmental knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Attorney General position in DND occurs through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens. Candidates typically must demonstrate significant experience in senior legal roles within government or the private sector, with preference given to those with federal Public Service experience and knowledge of defence operations.
Common pathways include: lateral appointment from other federal departments where you held senior legal positions; advancement through the DND legal services ranks (Senior Counsel, Counsel positions); or external recruitment of experienced lawyers with proven executive leadership and complex litigation backgrounds. Selection is based on demonstrated competencies in legal expertise, strategic advice, team leadership, and organizational management. Security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level is required. Candidates may enter through formal competitions, executive appointments, or talent identification processes managed by DND Human Resources and the Treasury Board Secretariat.
Part-Time Options
The Attorney General position is a full-time, permanent executive role and is not typically available on a part-time basis. However, the federal Public Service provides flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible, which may include flexible hours or occasional telework for specific projects or tasks.
Remote work options are limited due to the senior advisory nature of the role and the requirement for frequent in-person collaboration with the Deputy Minister, senior military leadership, and other government executives. However, DND supports the Government of Canada's flexible work policy, and arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational needs and team requirements. Employees in this position are expected to maintain a high level of accessibility and availability for urgent legal matters, ministerial appearances, and crisis management.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
