Executive Legal Officer

Manitoba Government; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Manitoba Government is seeking an Executive Legal Officer in Winnipeg to act as in-house counsel to the Chief Justices and Chief Judge. The role provides executive-level legal advice, develops strategies, and supports the judiciary’s leadership and openness in the justice system.

The position requires seven years in the legal profession, a law degree, and eligibility for Law Society of Manitoba. It includes collaboration across Courts Division and Courts Administration and offers a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Extensive experience providing legal opinions, advice and memoranda.
• Senior executive level experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with stakeholders.
• Understanding of judicial independence and discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven planning and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal opinions and advice to Chief Justices and Chief Judge.
• Draft annual reports, directives and related documents.
• Monitor court procedures and recommend changes as needed.
• Prepare directives, papers, speeches and presentations.
• Liaise with courts administration and justice system stakeholders.
• Support judicial education programs and initiatives.
• Represent the Chief Justices on committees as directed.

Skills

Legal research

Legal advice

Memoranda writing

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Judicial independence understanding

Verbal communication

Written communication

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Law degree

Membership eligibility in Law Society of Manitoba

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Executive Legal Officer

LF1-3 Legal Counsel 1-3

Regular/full-time

Manitoba Justice

Judicial Services, Courts

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 45764

Salary(s): LF1-3 $97,800.00 - $196,242.00 per year

Closing Date: November 23, 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.

The Executive Legal Officer (ELO) is an experienced lawyer with a minimum of seven years in the legal profession. The ELO acts as in-house counsel to the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge of the courts of Manitoba consistent with a solicitor-client relationship on matters within the courts’ jurisdiction. The ELO reports to the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge and, in accordance with the principle of judicial independence, provides legal advice independent of other branches of government. The ELO provides related executive level support and advice to the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge as it relates to their leadership roles in the justice system and in connection to the judiciary’s unique institutional position as the third branch of government. The ELO provides leadership in developing strategies and policies to enhance an accurate and current public perception of the administration of justice, to promote access to justice and to modernize the courts’ operations.

The position also provides input and strategic support in the overall management of joint initiatives, programs and projects touching both the Judicial Services Branch, Courts Division. Work on such joint initiatives, programs and projects will occur at the direction of the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge and in collaboration with the Executive Director, Judicial Services and the Assistant Deputy Minister - Courts Division.

The ELO reports functionally to the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal and Court of King’s Bench and the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court and administratively to the Assistant Deputy Minister - Courts Division. Direction on work assignments, including the provision of legal advice and opinion, is given directly by the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge. The Assistant Deputy Minister - Courts Division will provide instruction and direction on divisional and departmental policies and protocols.

Duties: The duties and responsibilities of the ELO include:

• Providing the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge with legal opinions and advice on matters of general application to the courts, including procedural and substantive issues, matters related to the discharge of the duties of the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge, and topics related to the administration of the courts and the judicial branch of government including in respect of programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice and promoting the open court principle.
• Drafting; gathering of information and assisting in the overall preparation of courts’ annual reports and other specific reports that are required and/or requested of the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge to assist in the making of operational and administrative decisions.
• Monitoring court procedures and processes to ensure conformity with current law and making recommendations to Courts Administration and/or the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge for changes as required.
• Assisting in the preparation of Practice Directives, papers, speeches and presentations including conducting any related research, as directed by the Chief Justices and Chief Judge.
• Liaising and consulting with Courts Administration, Legislative Counsel, justice system stakeholders and other parties, including communicating with self-represented litigants, as appropriate.
• Assisting in the development, coordination and delivery of judicial education programs and initiatives.
• Liaising and consulting with courts administration, legislative counsel and other justice system stakeholders on the development and implementation of initiatives, programs and projects initiated by the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge.
• Representing the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge on committees of the court and court services, as well as external stakeholder committees, at the direction of the Chief Justices and the Chief Judge in collaboration with the Executive Director of Judicial Services and the Assistant Deputy Minister of Courts Division.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Extensive experience effectively conducting legal research and providing legal advice, opinions, and memoranda, preferably at a senior executive level.
• Excellent analytical skills to enable the incumbent to solve emerging problems relating to judicial operational needs in a modern and increasingly electronic legal work environment comprised of a variety of competing interests and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills involving a variety of stakeholders, including members of the judiciary, legal profession, senior government administrative officials, the public and media.
• Must have a superior understanding of the principles of judicial independence and possess strong political acumen and experience in the application of discretion and diplomacy to ensure positive outcomes and confidence in the administration of justice.
• Superior verbal communication skills
• Superior written communication skills
• Well-developed planning and organizational skills in order to accomplish the position’s responsibilities and meet target dates and set priorities.
• Knowledge and experience with MS Office, including Word and Outlook and online legal research databases.

Desired:

• Fluency in French.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Must have a law degree and be eligible for membership in the Law Society of Manitoba
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• Enhanced Security Check
• Valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver's Licence

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.

Apply to:

Advertisement # 45764 Talent Acquisition Human Resource Services 600-259 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB,R3B 2A9 Phone: [phone] Fax:[phone] Email: [e-mail]