As a Director General - Litigation Services, you will lead and manage a team responsible for providing legal litigation support to the Department of National Defence. In this senior executive role, you will oversee the development and execution of litigation strategies, manage complex legal cases, and ensure the department's legal interests are protected in court proceedings and dispute resolution processes. You will report to senior leadership and work collaboratively with other government departments, the Department of Justice, and external legal counsel.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include supervising litigation lawyers and support staff, directing case strategies, managing budgets and resources, and ensuring compliance with legal standards and government policies. You will make strategic decisions on legal matters with significant financial and operational implications for the department. This role requires you to stay current with legal developments, manage high-stakes litigation files, and represent the department's interests in legal proceedings.
You will work in a dynamic environment where legal issues intersect with military operations, defence policy, and national security. This position offers the opportunity to shape legal strategy at the highest levels of government and contribute to the department's mission through effective legal advocacy and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
Provide litigation 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
To succeed in this role, you must be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Canada. A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is required, along with a law degree from a law school recognized in Canada. Membership in good standing with a provincial or territorial law society is essential.
Experience in litigation, legal management, and government legal services is highly valued. Many successful candidates have completed specialized training in areas such as administrative law, civil litigation, or government law. Professional development opportunities within the Public Service include executive leadership training, advanced legal skills courses, and management development programs offered through the Canada School of Public Service. You may also pursue ongoing legal education through law society continuing professional development requirements.
Entry Plans
Entry to this senior executive position typically occurs through Public Service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Candidates are usually already working at the Executive Level (EX) or Director level within government, or are recruited from private legal practice with equivalent experience.
You may enter this career through lateral moves from other government departments' legal services, such as Justice Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, or other federal organizations. Some candidates transition from private law firms or provincial/territorial legal services. Competitions for Director General positions may be open to external candidates or limited to current federal public servants, depending on departmental needs. Networking with DND legal leadership and understanding the department's mandate can strengthen your candidacy. Prior experience in military law, defence matters, or government litigation is advantageous.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, as they involve significant leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making responsibilities. However, the Public Service does accommodate flexible work arrangements where possible.
Remote work options may be available on a case-by-case basis, though senior executives are generally expected to maintain a presence at their duty station for meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Part-time arrangements are uncommon at this level but may be negotiated in specific circumstances. Work-life balance initiatives and flexible scheduling are available within the parameters of operational requirements. As a senior manager, you will have some control over how you structure your work, though the responsibilities of the role may require extended hours during active litigation or critical departmental matters.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
