As a Senior Counsel - Litigation Services with the Department of National Defence, you will provide expert legal advice and represent the Crown in complex litigation matters affecting DND and the Canadian Armed Forces. You will manage cases from initial assessment through to resolution, working with internal clients, external counsel, and the courts to protect the interests of the Department. Your work will span a variety of legal issues including contract disputes, administrative law challenges, employment matters, and claims arising from military operations. This role requires sound legal judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate high-stakes situations where decisions have significant implications for defence policy and operations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include drafting legal pleadings and correspondence, conducting legal research and analysis, managing case timelines and budgets, negotiating settlements, preparing for trials and hearings, and mentoring junior legal staff. You will collaborate with other government departments, external law firms, and stakeholders to achieve optimal outcomes. You will also contribute to the development of litigation strategies and provide advice on risk management and legal compliance. Working in a dynamic national security environment, you will apply your legal expertise to support Canada's defence and security objectives while upholding the rule of law.
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 law society in Canada (provincial or territorial bar admission). A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is required, along with successful completion of provincial bar examinations and articling or equivalent requirements. Advanced legal education, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in a relevant field, is an asset. You should have substantial experience in litigation, legal writing, and courtroom advocacy. Upon joining DND, you will receive orientation to federal legislation, policies, and procedures governing defence and national security law. Professional development opportunities include continuing legal education courses, attendance at legal conferences, and participation in specialized training programs offered by the Department of Justice or other federal institutions. Many counsel pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as alternative dispute resolution or advanced trial advocacy to enhance their professional credentials.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through open Public Service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents with valid work authorization. The competitive process usually includes a written legal assessment, assessment of technical legal knowledge specific to litigation, and interviews with hiring managers and senior legal professionals. Lateral moves from other government departments or from private law practice are common pathways. Candidates with substantial litigation experience in the private or public sector may enter at the Senior Counsel level directly. Some candidates may enter at a junior counsel level and advance to Senior Counsel through internal promotion competitions. Previous experience working on defence-related matters, Crown litigation, or federal law is advantageous but not always required. Networking with DND's legal community and the Department of Justice can provide valuable insights into available positions and the recruitment process.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for Senior Counsel positions are limited due to the nature of litigation work, which often requires full-time presence and availability for court proceedings, client meetings, and case management. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with management, particularly for specific project-based work or in circumstances involving personal hardship. Some aspects of legal research, writing, and file preparation can be conducted remotely, and many DND legal offices have adopted hybrid work models allowing counsel to work from home for portions of the week. Remote work is typically available for activities that do not require in-person collaboration or court appearances. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexibility options with their managers during the onboarding process. The collective agreement governing legal professionals in the federal Public Service outlines eligibility for flexible work arrangements, including telework and modified schedules, subject to operational requirements and client service delivery.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
