As a Legal Counsel specializing in Legislative Services within the Department of National Defence, you will provide expert legal advice and support on matters related to legislation, regulations, and parliamentary affairs. Your work will focus on ensuring that DND operations, policies, and programs comply with applicable laws and legislative requirements. You will collaborate with senior leadership, policy teams, and other government departments to interpret legislation, draft legal opinions, and support legislative development and reform initiatives.
Your responsibilities will include analyzing legislative proposals and their implications for defence operations, advising on compliance with federal legislation, and supporting Parliamentary proceedings related to defence matters. You may also contribute to the development of regulations and departmental policies that require legislative authority. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences.
You will work in a dynamic environment where your legal expertise directly supports national defence priorities. The role offers opportunities to engage with significant government-wide initiatives and contribute to matters of national importance. You will interact regularly with government counsel, parliamentary officials, and senior defence leaders.
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 have a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a Canadian law school or equivalent qualification recognized by a Canadian provincial law society. You must also be a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial bar association in Canada, or a notary in the Province of Quebec.
Professional development is ongoing throughout your career. DND supports participation in continuing legal education programs, particularly those related to administrative law, legislative drafting, and defence-specific legal issues. Many Legal Counsel complete specialized certifications in areas such as legislative drafting or parliamentary law. The department provides access to professional networks and opportunities to develop expertise in defence policy and operations through on-the-job experience and formal training programs.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through open competition processes managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's official job site (Canada.ca/jobs). You may enter as a new graduate through targeted recruitment or as an experienced lawyer from outside government.
Lateral moves are common for lawyers already employed in the federal Public Service. If you work in legal services at another department or agency, you may transition to DND through internal mobility processes or open competitions.
The Canadian Armed Forces also offers post-graduate recruitment streams for law graduates interested in military legal service. DND civilian legal positions may be accessible following military service or through direct civilian recruitment.
Some candidates gain relevant experience through student legal internship programs offered by DND and other federal departments. These internships provide exposure to government legal work and can strengthen your candidacy for permanent positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Legal Counsel positions, though availability may vary depending on operational needs and workload demands. Many positions offer flexible hours within core hours requirements and the possibility of compressed work weeks.
Remote work options have expanded significantly within the federal Public Service. While some legislative services work requires in-person collaboration and access to secure parliamentary networks, many aspects of legal research, writing, and advice can be delivered remotely. Most positions offer a hybrid arrangement combining in-office and remote work, with the balance depending on project requirements and departmental priorities.
Job sharing and part-time arrangements are possible for suitable candidates, though they require alignment with operational demands. Anyone interested in flexible options is encouraged to discuss arrangements during the hiring process, as each position and team has different requirements. Work-life balance is increasingly a priority across the federal Public Service, and DND supports reasonable accommodations for employees' personal circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
