As a Director of Justice Legal Policy Services, you provide strategic legal policy leadership and direction to support departmental objectives and government-wide justice initiatives. You are responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing legal policy frameworks that guide the organization's operations and ensure compliance with federal legislation and regulations. This role combines legal expertise with policy development and management capabilities, requiring you to balance complex legal considerations with operational and political priorities. You work at a senior level within the Department of National Defence, collaborating with other government departments, legal counsel, and senior leadership to shape policy direction. Your work directly impacts how the department delivers its mandate and serves Canadians. The position typically involves managing a team of legal policy professionals, overseeing multiple policy initiatives, and representing the department in interdepartmental forums and consultations.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of justice legal policy services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the justice legal policy services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To succeed in this role, you must have a law degree (Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor) from a recognized Canadian law school and be licensed to practice law in at least one Canadian province or territory. You should have extensive experience in legal policy development, government law, administrative law, or a related legal field. A master's degree in law, public administration, or policy studies is an asset. Professional development opportunities include specialized training in government policy processes, legislative drafting, regulatory development, and senior management skills. The Government of Canada offers leadership development programs for directors and equivalent managers, as well as opportunities to pursue certifications in areas such as access to information and privacy, procurement law, or labour relations. Ongoing professional development through law societies and professional associations is supported to maintain your credentials and expertise.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through a public service competition open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Most candidates come from within the federal public service, having progressed through intermediate legal policy or legal counsel positions. You may enter through a lateral move from another federal department or agency if you have equivalent experience in legal policy or senior legal advisory roles. Some competitions target specific experience levels, such as those with 5+ years of senior legal policy experience in government. Student and early-career entry programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment initiative, provide pathways to develop foundational legal knowledge before advancing to director-level positions. External candidates with strong legal credentials and government policy experience may also be considered through open competitions. The competitive process typically includes a written exam, interview, and sometimes a case analysis or policy scenario assessment.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work options for director-level positions are limited due to the strategic and managerial nature of the role, though accommodation may be possible on a case-by-case basis through discussion with management. The position typically requires a full-time commitment of 37.5 hours per week. Flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and remote work options, may be available depending on departmental operational requirements and management approval. Given the senior leadership responsibilities and the need for in-person collaboration with stakeholders, most work is performed in the National Capital Region, though periodic remote work may be negotiated. Any adjustments to standard work arrangements must be discussed with your supervisor and approved by the department. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and will consider requests for flexibility within the constraints of operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
