As a Senior Counsel in Legal Advisory Services, you will provide expert legal advice and counsel to Department of National Defence leadership, commanders, and officials on complex legal matters affecting military operations, defence policy, and departmental administration. Your work will directly support decision-making at senior levels of the organization and help ensure that DND operations comply with Canadian law, the Canadian Armed Forces Code of Service Discipline, and international law obligations.
Your responsibilities will include analyzing legal issues, drafting legal opinions and memoranda, representing the department in legal proceedings, negotiating agreements, and advising on risk management and legal compliance. You will work on matters ranging from operational law and military justice to procurement, employment, and administrative law. This role requires sound judgment, the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly, and the capacity to work under pressure on time-sensitive issues.
You will work within the Office of the Judge Advocate General or other legal branches of DND, collaborating with military commanders, civilian managers, other government departments, and external legal counsel. The work environment is dynamic and demanding, with exposure to national security issues and the unique legal challenges of military operations.
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 be a member in good standing of the Law Society of your province or territory, or a member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec if you are a Quebec notary. A Bachelor of Laws degree (J.D., LL.B., or equivalent) from a recognized law school is required.
Professional development opportunities include specialized training in military law, operational law, administrative law, and legal writing through internal DND programs and external legal education providers. You may pursue advanced certifications such as mediation or arbitration credentials. The Public Service offers access to professional development funds and encourages participation in legal associations and continuing legal education to maintain and enhance your expertise.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways. The most common route is through a staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Competitions are held as positions become available and may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or existing Public Service employees depending on the specific competition.
If you are already working in the federal Public Service, you may apply for lateral transfers or promotions into Senior Counsel positions within DND or other departments. Some positions are filled through the development of internal pools of qualified candidates, which allows for faster staffing when vacancies occur.
Students or recent law graduates may find opportunities through the Federal Student Work Program or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative, which can provide pathways to permanent positions. Government-wide legal recruitment initiatives are sometimes launched to build talent pools for legal services across the Public Service.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work options are limited in this role due to the senior advisory nature of the position and the need for continuity in providing legal counsel to senior leadership. However, flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, may be available depending on the specific position and operational requirements.
Telemedicine and remote appearance options are available for court proceedings and external meetings where appropriate. Given the confidential and sensitive nature of legal work, remote work may be limited for certain classified matters. Discussions about flexible arrangements should take place during the staffing process and with your manager once hired. The Public Service is committed to work-life balance and will work with you to explore options that meet both operational needs and personal circumstances where possible.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
