LP-02 Counsel (Litigation)

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment that starts with the assessment phase of the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during the assessment phase, please use the ‘Contact information’ below to request a specialized accommodation. Please be advised that the assessment phase may include any of the following: an exam/test, an oral interview and a reference check etc. All information received in relation to accommodation (for example, a medical certificate, a psychologist evaluation, an example of a previous accommodation for staffing processes, etc.) will be kept confidential. Also note that accommodation requests are covered by the protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Accommodations Request Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/assessment-accommodation-page/how-to-request-assessment-accommodation.html

The Department of Justice is committed to ensure we achieve representativeness, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our business. In reflecting on the composition of our workforce, we must do better to build representation. In hopes to increase the representation of Indigenous Peoples, Black and other racialized group members and Persons with disabilities, we invite and encourage members of these groups to apply.

We will only accept on-line applications received via the Public Service Jobs site. Persons with disabilities or residing in locations that prevent them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are seeking high-quality candidates who are excited about the practice of law in the government sector and who are committed to public service, including respect for public service values and ethics.

Intent of the process

The Department has a significant number of vacancies to fill. A pool of partially or fully qualified candidates may be established to staff similar positions within the Department of Justice with various tenures, various linguistic requirements, various operational requirements and/or various conditions of employment.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

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

Member in good standing of the law society of a province or territory of Canada.

Approximately 4 years within the last 6 years of experience conducting civil litigation cases (or an acceptable combination of civil and criminal litigation), including court or administrative tribunal proceedings or appeals.

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

Various language requirements
English, French or Bilingual Imperative (depending on position or as required).

Information on language requirements

Demonstrating Integrity and Respect

Thinking Things Through

Working effectively with others

Showing initiative and being action-oriented

Oral communication

Written communication

Ability to analyze legal issues and provide strategic advice

Ability to manage the legal practice, including using digital tools (ie: file, document, knowledge management, legal research, and timekeeping software, as well as remote access and virtual communication platforms).

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

Common and civil law degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Completion of a LLM (or equivalent) with a specialization in an area of law relevant to the position(s) to be staffed.

Degree equivalency

Experience working as a litigator in one or more of the following areas of Canadian law: Aboriginal law, administrative law, civil litigation, class actions, commercial law, constitutional law, criminal law, Crown law, public law, environmental law, human rights law, immigration law, labour and employment law, national security law, police law, procurement law, real property law, federal real property transactions, tax law, insolvency law, tort law.

Experience conducting litigation before the Tax Court of Canada.

Experience conducting litigation before the Federal Court and/or Federal Court of Appeal.

Experience conducting litigation before the superior courts of a province or territory of Canada.

Experience working in a Northern and cross-cultural environment (for positions in the Northern Regional Office)

Experience with negotiations or other dispute resolution processes.

Experience in conducting legal research.

Experience in legal project management.

Knowledge of one or more of the following area(s) of Canadian law: Aboriginal law, administrative law, Civil procedure, class actions, commercial law, constitutional law, criminal law, Crown law, public law, environmental law, human rights law, immigration law, labour and employment law, national security law, police law, procurement law, real property law, federal real property transactions, tax law, insolvency law, tort law.

Knowledge of issues and practices relevant to legal risk management in a Government of Canada context.

Knowledge of Indigenous legal and policy issues in the Canadian context.

Knowledge of the legal issues arising in the context of comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements.

Knowledge of government priorities and their impact on the Department of Justice.

Organizational Needs:
The Department of Justice believes that to be able to effectively serve the public, its workforce needs to reflect the diversity of the Canadian population. Diversity is a great source of strength in driving Canada’s Legal Team in ensuring that Canada’s justice system is as fair, accessible and efficient as possible. The Department is committed to a representative workforce that represents the Canadian public we serve. If you are a woman, an Indigenous* person, a person with a disability or a member of a racialized group** and are interested in bringing in different perspectives and insights we encourage you to self-declare in this staffing process. This self-declaration information can be factored into departmental strategies and selection decisions to address our commitment to eliminate gaps for these groups.

* The term “Aboriginal” is used within this job advertisement as it relates to the Employment Equity Act and other legislative frameworks. The term “Indigenous” is used, where feasible, in support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

** Please note that this group is currently designated as members of visible minorities in the Employment Equity Act and the self-declaration form.

Operational Requirements:
The following requirements can be accommodated based on a persons' needs or status.

Willing and able to work extended hours including weekends.

Willing and able to travel, as required.

Possession of a valid driver’s licence or willingness to obtain one (depending on the position being staffed).

Conditions of employment

Reliability, Secret, or Top Secret security clearance (depending on position or as required).

Remain a member in good standing of the law society of a province or territory of Canada.

Medical Clearance (for positions in the Northern Regional Office).

Periodically available on call after hours for motions duty (for immigration positions in the Ontario Regional Office and the Quebec Regional Office).

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

As the purpose of this pool is to fill vacancies among members of the above-mentioned groups on a priority basis, you are required to declare your membership of one of these groups as part of the application process.

In order to self-declare, please ensure to check off the appropriate box within the online application under the Employment Equity section. To learn more about self-declaring, we encourage you to consult the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-because-we-care.html

Applying for Government of Canada jobs: What to expect: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/applying-government-canada-jobs-what-expect.html

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.