As a General Counsel – Legislative Services, you provide expert legal advice and support to Department of National Defence (DND) leadership and program areas on matters related to legislation, regulations, and legislative compliance. You work at the intersection of law and policy, ensuring that departmental decisions and operations align with federal legislation, constitutional requirements, and government-wide legal frameworks. This role is critical to supporting DND's mission while maintaining the highest standards of legal governance and accountability.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing proposed legislation and regulatory changes, providing legal opinions on complex legislative matters, drafting legislative proposals and regulatory amendments, and advising on compliance with federal statutes and Treasury Board policies. You may also support parliamentary processes, coordinate with Department of Justice counsel, and provide guidance on legal risks related to legislative requirements. You work collaboratively with policy teams, program managers, and senior executives to ensure legal considerations are integrated into decision-making at all levels.
You work in a dynamic, professional environment within DND headquarters or regional offices. Your work requires strong analytical and communication skills, as you must translate complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences and advise decision-makers on high-stakes matters. This is intellectually challenging work that directly influences how the department operates and serves Canadians.
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
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you must be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Canada. This requires a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited Canadian law school, followed by successful completion of provincial bar admission requirements (articling and bar exams, or equivalent). Some provinces accept alternative pathways such as law society professional responsibility courses.
While not always mandatory, experience or coursework in constitutional law, administrative law, legislative drafting, and statutory interpretation is highly valued. Many successful candidates hold additional credentials such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) specializing in constitutional or administrative law. Membership in good standing with your provincial law society is required at all times.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities including specialized training in government law, legislative processes, policy development, and leadership skills. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development to maintain your legal expertise and support career advancement. Many lawyers in this role pursue additional certifications in areas such as government contracting, procurement law, or alternative dispute resolution.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, you will enter through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the Treasury Board Secretariat's staffing portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the legal qualifications.
If you are already a federal public servant, you may apply as an internal candidate, which can streamline the process. Some departments use talent pools or standing offers to recruit lawyers, allowing qualified candidates to be hired more quickly when positions become available. If you have previous federal government experience as a lawyer or legal professional, you may be considered for lateral moves or promotions within your current department or to DND.
Students pursuing legal education may be eligible for federal student summer employment programs or articling placements through the Government of Canada's Student Employment Program, which can provide a pathway to permanent positions after graduation and bar admission. Recent law graduates may also be considered through bridging programs designed to help new lawyers transition into government roles.
Regardless of entry pathway, all candidates must successfully pass security screening and meet Treasury Board requirements for federal employment, including medical and reliability checks.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for General Counsel – Legislative Services positions are available but less common than in some other roles, as the position typically requires consistent engagement with departmental operations and senior leadership. However, flexible arrangements may be negotiable depending on operational needs and individual circumstances.
Remote work options have expanded significantly across the federal government. Depending on your work location and departmental policy, you may be able to work remotely for a portion of your week, typically with in-person attendance required for meetings with senior leadership, interdepartmental coordination, and collaborative work with policy and program teams. The Government of Canada's Hybrid Work Framework guides remote work eligibility in most departments.
Job-sharing arrangements or compressed work weeks may be available in some cases, though these would require departmental approval and operational feasibility. Leave provisions follow Treasury Board policies, including access to parental leave, sick leave, and unpaid leave options. We encourage you to discuss specific flexibility needs during the recruitment process, as accommodations may be possible depending on the position's requirements and your circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
