As a Director of Legal Advisory Services in the Department of National Defence, you provide strategic legal guidance and leadership to support the department's military operations, procurement, human resources, and administrative functions. You oversee a team of lawyers and legal professionals who deliver comprehensive legal advice on complex matters ranging from international law and defence policy to employment law and contract management. Your work directly impacts operational readiness and ensures the department operates within legal and regulatory frameworks.
In this role, you manage the delivery of legal services across multiple practice areas, establish legal strategies, and represent the department in negotiations and legal proceedings. You work collaboratively with senior military and civilian leadership, other government departments, and external stakeholders to address legal challenges. Your responsibilities include budget management, performance evaluation of legal staff, quality assurance of legal advice, and continuous improvement of service delivery.
You work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where legal issues often intersect with national security, military readiness, and significant financial commitments. You must balance competing priorities, manage multiple files simultaneously, and provide timely advice under pressure. The role requires both independent judgment and the ability to mentor and develop junior legal professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of legal advisory services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the legal advisory 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 position, you must be a member in good standing of a law society in Canada and hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Most candidates have 10 to 15 years of legal experience, with significant experience in government legal practice, public law, or complex commercial matters relevant to defence operations.
The Department of National Defence values specialized knowledge in areas such as military law, procurement law, administrative law, employment law, international humanitarian law, or defence policy. Many successful candidates hold additional credentials or certifications in their practice areas.
Professional development is ongoing throughout your career. The department supports participation in legal conferences, specialized training programs, and formal leadership development. You may also pursue additional credentials such as mediation training or specialized certifications in government procurement or defence law. The department encourages continuous learning to maintain expertise in an evolving legal landscape.
Entry Plans
Entry into this director-level position typically occurs through a competitive staffing process advertised by DND. Most candidates come from within the federal public service, having progressed through intermediate legal positions such as Counsel or Senior Counsel roles.
If you are new to the federal public service, you can enter as a Lawyer (at the CR-03 or CR-04 level) through competitions regularly advertised on the Public Service Commission website. From there, you can advance to senior legal positions and eventually apply for director-level roles. The federal government prioritizes internal development, so demonstrating leadership potential, legal expertise, and management capability will support your progression.
Lateral moves from other government departments' legal services are also common. If you have relevant government legal experience, you may be considered for director positions or intermediate roles leading to director appointments. Some candidates enter through the federal Student Work Experience Program or as articling students, building a long-term career within DND's legal services.
All positions are staffed according to Public Service Commission rules and Treasury Board policies. Preference may be given to current or former Crown employees and Canadian citizens.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time. However, the Department of National Defence recognizes the importance of work-life balance and supports flexible arrangements where operationally feasible.
Once appointed to a director role, you may be able to negotiate flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, or hybrid work arrangements that combine office and remote work. Remote work options depend on the specific legal services you oversee and the need for in-person collaboration with military personnel and senior leadership.
Part-time work at the director level is uncommon in the federal public service due to the managerial and strategic responsibilities involved. However, the department encourages discussion of individual circumstances with Human Resources. Flexible arrangements are more readily available at intermediate lawyer levels (Counsel or Senior Counsel positions) if you prefer part-time work while building your career toward a director role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
