As a Notary in Legal Advisory Services, you provide essential support to the Department of National Defence's legal operations by authenticating documents, administering oaths and affirmations, and assisting with legal proceedings. You work within DND's legal teams to ensure proper documentation standards and help facilitate legal processes across the organization. Your role is critical in maintaining the integrity of legal documents and supporting the department's compliance with federal legislation and regulations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include preparing legal documents, witnessing signatures, administering oaths for affidavits and declarations, maintaining notarial records, and providing administrative support to legal counsel. You may also assist with legal research, file management, and communication with external parties such as courts, government agencies, and private citizens. You work closely with lawyers and other legal professionals to ensure all documentation meets legislative requirements and departmental standards.
You will work in DND legal offices located across Canada, in a professional environment that values accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail. Your work directly supports the department's legal functions and contributes to sound decision-making at all levels of the organization.
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
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with specialized training in notarial functions. Many candidates complete a provincial notary certificate or diploma program offered through community colleges or professional legal training providers. These programs cover notarial law, legal documentation, ethics, and provincial legislation governing notaries.
Professional certifications vary by province but may include provincial notary commissions or certificates from recognized legal training bodies. Some provinces require specific examination and licensing before you can perform notarial duties.
Once hired with DND, you will receive on-the-job training in departmental procedures, legal processes specific to defence operations, and government systems. The department supports ongoing professional development through workshops, legal seminars, and training in new legislation relevant to your role. Access to professional legal associations and their resources is encouraged to maintain current knowledge of notarial practices and legal developments.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career with DND typically occurs through advertised competitions on the Government of Canada Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Careers website. Positions are posted when vacancies arise, and candidates must meet the stated qualifications and undergo a competitive selection process.
You may also enter through the Public Service Lateral Movement Program if you are already a federal public servant with relevant experience in legal or administrative support roles. Some positions may be filled through student recruitment programs or internship pathways that lead to permanent positions.
The selection process usually includes a written examination, interview, and reference checks to assess your notarial knowledge, communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a legal environment. Having provincial notary credentials or relevant legal experience strengthens your application significantly.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for this role depending on operational needs and organizational requirements. Many legal support positions within DND offer flexible scheduling to accommodate both employee needs and business operations.
Remote work options may be available for certain administrative and research-related tasks, though notarial duties that require in-person witnessing of signatures and administration of oaths must be performed on-site. Hybrid arrangements combining office and remote work are increasingly common within federal legal services.
Work-life balance initiatives, compressed work weeks, and job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated with your manager based on service delivery requirements and departmental capacity. As a federal employee, you also have access to unpaid leave options, parental leave, and other benefits under the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
