As a Law Clerk in Litigation Services, you will provide essential legal support to the Department of National Defence (DND) legal team and counsel. You will assist with the preparation, management, and resolution of litigation matters involving the Canadian Armed Forces and DND. Your work ensures that legal proceedings are properly documented, organized, and advanced according to procedural requirements and legal timelines. This role is critical to supporting DND's legal operations and protecting the interests of the Crown in court proceedings and disputes. You will work in a professional legal environment, collaborating with lawyers, military personnel, and other government departments. Your attention to detail, organizational skills, and understanding of legal processes will directly contribute to the success of litigation matters.
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
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Typical entry to this position requires successful completion of a law clerk or paralegal diploma or certificate program from a recognized institution. You should have a strong understanding of Canadian law, legal procedures, and court processes. Many successful candidates hold a diploma in Law and Security, Paralegal Studies, or equivalent. Professional certifications such as membership with a provincial paralegal association (where applicable) are valued. Throughout your career with DND, you will have access to professional development opportunities including training in specialized litigation areas, legal research databases, government-specific processes, and security protocols. DND supports continuing education to keep you current with evolving legal practices and technologies used in legal services delivery.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through various Government of Canada recruitment pathways. Most commonly, candidates apply through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Board (jobs.gc.ca) for Law Clerk positions within DND Legal Services or the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch. The Public Service Commission periodically establishes eligibility lists from these competitions. You may also enter through targeted recruitment for recent graduates or students through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can lead to permanent positions. Lateral moves from other federal departments with similar paralegal roles are also possible. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, obtain a security clearance, and meet all applicable eligibility criteria for the position.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Law Clerk positions in many DND locations, subject to operational requirements and management approval. Part-time hours typically range from 17.5 to 30 hours per week. Remote work options may be available depending on the specific litigation file requirements and your supervisor's authorization, though some in-office presence is generally required for file management, client meetings, and court proceedings. Flexible scheduling options such as adjusted start and end times can often be accommodated. Availability during specific litigation timelines and court dates may require schedule adjustments. Discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process and with your manager once hired, as arrangements vary by location and operational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
