Crown Counsel

Government of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 134,000 - 196,000; Full time

Job summary

Manitoba Justice, Legal Services Branch, Crown Law in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join the civil litigation team. The role offers opportunities to argue before courts and tribunals, provide strategic legal advice to provincial departments, and contribute to a diverse caseload. You will draft pleadings, research issues, and support legislative initiatives, while upholding professional standards in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive civil litigation experience.
• Ability to develop strategy, provide legal advice and make recommendations on complex files.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to policy implications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills under pressure.
• Superior written communication, including drafting agreements and opinions.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with clients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic discussions with clients.
• Lead or participate in negotiations with third parties.
• Conduct legal research and analyze issues; prepare legal opinions.
• Prepare pleadings and appearances at all levels of court and tribunals.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to client Departments; educate and train clients and colleagues; assist other counsel.
• Participate in the review and development of legislation.

Skills

Civil litigation

Strategic advice

Analytical skills

Organization & time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

LL.B. or JD degree

Job description

LF2-3 Legal Counsel 2-3

Regular/full-time

Manitoba Justice

Legal Services Branch, Crown Law

Winnipeg MB

Salary(s): LF2-3 $133,715.00 - $196,242.00 per year

Closing Date: December 9, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for 6 months.

Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION may be assessed through all aspects of the application materials and throughout the staffing process. Therefore, all communication needs to be grammatically correct, using appropriate vocabulary and with minimal errors in punctuation and spelling. Complete sentences are to be used throughout.

Crown Counsel at LSB are members of the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys. Compensation is commensurate with experience as set out in the collective agreement. LSB offers a positive work environment and supports work arrangements to help employees balance career and family. Continuous learning, development and training are supported and encouraged. Legal Services Branch (LSB) is the Government of Manitoba’s full service in-house civil law office of about 70 lawyers. It provides a complete range of high quality legal services to all government departments, and to agencies, boards, commissions and corporations that do not have their own legal counsel. LSB’s work enables the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba to fulfill the constitutional and statutory responsibility of Chief Legal Advisor to Government, and as the guardian of the public interest with respect to matters of civil law. This results in a varied work experience that is unique, challenging, and highly engaging. LSB is currently seeking experienced litigation lawyers to join our team. We offers a diverse caseload, ranging from routine matters to highly complex legal issues, with opportunities to appear before administrative tribunals and at all levels of court, including the Manitoba Court of Appeal.

Duties:

We are seeking counsel to join our team to support LSB achieve its mandate of providing timely, high-quality, helpful and cost-effective legal advice. Duties may include:

• Participate in strategic discussions with clients
• Lead or participate in negotiations with third parties
• Conduct legal research and analysis of legal problems and prepare legal opinions
• Prepare pleadings, appear in all levels of court and before administrative tribunals
• Provide legal advice and assistance to client Departments, conduct or participate in education and trainingopportunities for clients and colleagues and provide assistance to other counsel in the Legal Services Branch
• Participate in the review and development of legislation.

Why Work for Manitoba Government?

The Manitoba government values its employees, recognizing the important role that each person plays in delivering exceptional services, programs and support to the province. Your important contributions are recognized with a comprehensive package of benefits, including an attractive salary, pension plan, health and wellness benefits, and other supports to encourage work-life balance.

Financial Security

• Attractive salaries
• Defined pension plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Long-Term Disability Plan

Benefit Plan

• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Commitment to Health and Wellness

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time-off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options

Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as inhouse training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Extensive experience practicing civil litigation.
• Ability to develop strategy, provide legal advice and make recommendations regarding complex files
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to recognize and assess legal implications and policy options
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work in a high pressure and time sensitive environment to meet conflicting deadlines
• Superior written communication skills, including experience drafting agreements and legal opinions
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong and positive working relationships, including with co- workers, clients and external interests

Desired:

• Experience litigating for government
• Experience with litigation involving indigenous people

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Member (in good standing) or eligible for immediate membership with The Law Society of Manitoba
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D) degree
• Satisfactory Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
• Satisfactory Enhanced Security Screening
• The ability and willingness to travel, as required

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.