Counsel

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Work environment

Who we are:

The National Security Group (NSG) is the central coordinating office within the Department of Justice for s.38 of the Canada Evidence Act (CEA), providing advice, receiving notices, making recommendations on the disclosure of sensitive and potential injurious information and preparing the position of the Attorney General of Canada in litigation. As part of the National Litigation Sector, NSG counsel are also appearing before the courts, litigating national security matters such as those pursuant to s.38 CEA, s.18.1 of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act (CSIS Act) as well as pursuant to the Prevention of Terrorist Travel Act and the Secure Air Travel Act.

NSG counsel also provide legal advice to clients on national-security related issues, including those arising out of anticipated or ongoing litigation, as it relates to the Criminal Code, the Security Offences Act, the Security of Information Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, among others.

As well, NSG counsel provide independent legal advice to clients on the listing of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code of Canada, listing of state supporters of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, and warrant applications under the CSIS Act. NSG Counsel are also frequently consulted on legislative proposals on national security matters.

If this opportunity is of interest to you, please submit your résumé as well as a covering letter providing concrete examples that illustrate how you meet each of the following education and experience (essential and asset) criteria.

Intent of the process

The purpose of this process is to staff one (1) temporary bilingual imperative (CCC/CCC) position and one (1) indeterminate english essential position within the National Security Group of the Department of Justice. A pool may be established and could also be used to staff similar positions of various tenures and/or various linguistic requirements within the National Security Group.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Eligibility for membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or in the Order of Notaries in the Province of Quebec.

Degree equivalency

Extensive experience* in providing legal advice on complex legal matters.
Extensive experience* in litigation or litigation support.

Extensive experience* will be assessed by the depth and breadth of experience which would normally be attained within a period of at least four (4) years.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements
English Essential
Bilingual Imperative

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of national security law (for example: related jurisprudence and legislation).
Knowledge of the role and mandate of government organizations of the Security & Intelligence community.
Knowledge of s.38 of the Canada Evidence Act.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions.
Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Ability to work as part of a team.

Demonstrating integrity and respect
Thinking things through
Working effectively with others
Showing initiative and being action-oriented

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Experience with litigation before the Federal Courts, in particular in the context of designated matters.
Experience dealing with legal issues relating to national security.

Conditions of employment

Top Secret security clearance

Remain a member in good standing of the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially

At level deployments and secondments may first be considered and, if required, promotional opportunities will be envisaged.

The Department of Justice encourages persons with priority entitlements to self refer to our selection processes in circumstances where they believe that they meet the essential qualifications of the advertised position.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

An assignment, secondment, or acting appointment requires approval of your supervisor.

Indeterminate employees at the same group and level or equivalent will be considered for deployment. If no deployment is made, applicants from other groups and levels will be considered in the advertised appointment process.

You must provide proof of your Bar Membership.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language(s) of their choice.

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

Communication for this process will be sent via e-mail. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.