As a Director General of Legislative Services, you will provide strategic legal leadership and oversight of legislative services within the Department of National Defence. This executive-level position involves directing the development and delivery of legal advice and services related to legislation, parliamentary affairs, and regulatory compliance. You will manage a team of legal professionals and support the department's legislative agenda while ensuring alignment with government priorities and the rule of law.
Your key responsibilities include developing legislative policy recommendations, coordinating with other government departments on legislative initiatives, overseeing the preparation of legislative proposals and amendments, and ensuring compliance with the Canadian legal framework. You will also advise senior leadership on legal implications of departmental decisions and represent the department on legislative matters to Parliament and other stakeholders.
Working at this level, you will operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where decisions have significant impact on defence policy and operations. You will collaborate with cabinet ministers' offices, parliamentary committees, other federal departments, and external legal experts. Your work directly supports Canada's defence and security objectives while upholding democratic principles and constitutional values.
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
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates typically hold a law degree (Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws) from a recognized Canadian law school and must be a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society. Many successful candidates have extensive experience in government legal practice, legislative drafting, or constitutional law.
Professional development opportunities include formal training in legislative process and parliamentary procedure, advanced leadership programs offered by the Canada School of Public Service, and participation in interdepartmental working groups on legislative matters. Ongoing professional development through law society continuing education programs is required to maintain professional credentials.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position occurs through various pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates are recruited through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Successful applicants typically demonstrate extensive experience as senior legal counsel or managers within government or the private sector.
Lateral moves from other federal departments' legal services are common, as are appointments from outside government for candidates with relevant executive legal experience. Some candidates advance through the ranks within DND's Legal Services division, moving from senior lawyer positions to executive roles. The Public Service Commission manages the competitive process and ensures all appointments meet Treasury Board standards for executive positions.
Candidates should possess a demonstrated track record of managing legal teams, developing policy, and working at senior levels of government or comparable organizations. Security clearance requirements (Secret or Top Secret) are mandatory for this position.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements for Director General positions are limited due to the executive and strategic nature of the role. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and Treasury Board guidelines. Remote work options have expanded within the federal government and may be available for certain aspects of the role, though the position typically requires regular presence at the National Defence headquarters in Ottawa.
Discussions about work arrangements are best initiated during the recruitment process or with the hiring manager, as accommodations depend on departmental needs and the specific scope of responsibilities. All arrangements must support the effective delivery of legislative services and compliance with the duty of care owed to the department.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
