As a Legal Counsel in the Legal Advisory Services job family, you provide expert legal advice and support to Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) leadership, managers, and operational teams. You interpret and apply federal legislation, regulations, and case law to guide organizational decision-making across a wide range of defence and security matters. Your work directly impacts military operations, personnel matters, procurement, international agreements, and institutional governance.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include drafting legal opinions and memoranda, reviewing contracts and agreements, advising on compliance with legislation, representing the department in legal proceedings, and conducting legal research on complex and emerging issues. You work collaboratively with other government departments, external legal counsel, and stakeholders to resolve legal challenges while balancing operational requirements with legal obligations. You may specialize in areas such as military law, labour relations, constitutional law, procurement law, or international law depending on your posting.
You work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your advice influences significant decisions. You will interact regularly with senior officials, military commanders, and personnel at all levels. Work is based primarily in Ottawa at DND headquarters, although positions exist at other Canadian military establishments and occasionally at Canadian diplomatic missions abroad.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legal advisory 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
You must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree or equivalent from a Canadian law school. You must be called to the bar and maintain active membership in good standing with a provincial or territorial law society in Canada. Quebec candidates must hold a Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) or LL.B. and be a member of the Ordre des avocats du Québec.
While specialized certifications are not required for entry, many Legal Counsel pursue professional development in areas such as government law, military law, administrative law, or alternative dispute resolution. The Public Service provides access to legal conferences, workshops, and continuing education programs. You are expected to maintain awareness of evolving case law, legislative changes, and legal developments relevant to defence and security. Internal mentoring and knowledge-sharing are common, and opportunities exist to develop expertise in specialized practice areas through on-the-job training and formal professional development.
Entry Plans
You typically enter the Legal Counsel position through a competitive staffing process. The Government of Canada regularly posts Legal Counsel positions on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may include a combination of written assessments, interviews, and evaluation of your legal knowledge and communication skills.
If you are already working in the federal Public Service, you may apply for Legal Counsel positions through internal competitions or lateral moves from other departments with legal services. Students or recent law graduates may find opportunities through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign, which can lead to bridging into permanent positions. Some candidates transition into Legal Counsel roles from related positions in Crown Counsel, departmental legal units, or other government legal services.
Once hired, you will typically complete an orientation program that introduces you to DND operations, military culture, relevant legislation (such as the National Defence Act), and the department's legal priorities. You may work under the supervision of a senior lawyer initially to familiarize yourself with departmental practices before taking on independent files.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements are available for Legal Counsel positions, though the extent depends on operational and business needs. Given the nature of legal advisory work—where urgent matters and deadlines can emerge—full-time positions are most common. However, you may be able to negotiate reduced hours or compressed work weeks depending on your posting and manager approval.
Remote and flexible work options have expanded across the federal Public Service, including in legal roles. Many Legal Counsel positions offer the flexibility to work from home for portions of the week, particularly when conducting legal research, drafting documents, or participating in virtual meetings. However, some in-person presence is typically expected for client meetings, collaboration with colleagues, and access to classified or sensitive information. Arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your manager and must align with operational requirements and security protocols. The DND is committed to supporting work-life balance within the constraints of defending Canada and supporting CAF operations.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
