As a Legal Counsel in Litigation Services, you will provide expert legal advice and representation to the Department of National Defence on a broad range of civil litigation matters. You will prepare legal arguments, conduct research, and represent the department in court proceedings, tribunals, and alternative dispute resolution processes. Your work directly supports DND's mission by protecting the Crown's legal interests and ensuring compliance with the Canadian legal system.
Your daily responsibilities include drafting legal pleadings and memoranda, conducting legal research on complex issues, providing counsel to senior management on litigation strategy, and appearing before courts and administrative tribunals. You will work on cases involving contract disputes, employment matters, constitutional issues, and other civil claims. You will collaborate with other government lawyers, external counsel, and departmental stakeholders to achieve the best possible legal outcomes for the department.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily at DND National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or at Regional Legal Services offices across Canada. The role involves meeting deadlines, managing multiple files simultaneously, and maintaining strict confidentiality and professional ethics standards required of the legal profession.
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
To qualify for this position, you must be a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society in Canada. You will need a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a recognized Canadian law school, plus completion of articling or your jurisdiction's equivalent practical training requirement.
Professional development is ongoing in this career. You may pursue additional certifications or specializations in litigation, administrative law, or specific areas relevant to defence matters. The Government of Canada supports professional development through access to legal training programs, seminars, and conferences. Many Legal Counsel pursue continuing legal education credits to maintain professional standing and develop expertise in emerging legal areas.
Entry Plans
Most positions are filled through open competition advertised on the Public Service Commission website (jobs.gc.ca). Competitions may target lawyers with varying levels of experience, from recently called counsel to experienced practitioners. Some positions may be filled through internal pools or lateral moves from other government legal departments.
If you are a law student or recent graduate, watch for student recruitment programs and articling positions within the federal government. These provide valuable experience and often lead to permanent career opportunities upon call to the bar. Lateral entry is common for lawyers already employed in other federal departments or provincial governments seeking to transfer to DND. Appointment to the Public Service requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and security clearance eligibility.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements are possible in some Legal Counsel positions, though litigation services roles typically require full-time commitment due to court schedules, client deadlines, and file management responsibilities. Flexible work arrangements such as modified hours or telecommuting may be negotiated with your manager, subject to operational requirements and the nature of active litigation files.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government. While some litigation work requires in-person appearances in court and office-based collaboration, many legal research, writing, and advisory tasks can be performed remotely. Arrangements depend on your specific position, location, and the preferences of your manager. Speak with your recruiting team about flexible options available within your particular branch and role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
