Lawyer 1-3 (Family Law)

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial legal services agency in Halifax is seeking a legal professional for their Family Litigation team. The successful candidate will advise senior government officials on legal matters, represent clients in court, and draft essential legal documents. Ideal candidates will have membership in the Nova Scotia Barristers Society and experience in family law. The role offers a competitive salary and a rich benefits package, including health, dental, and pension plans.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Must be a practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society.
• Experience required in family law.
• Familiarity with electronic communication and software tools.

Responsibilities

• Consult with senior government officials on legal matters.
• Advise on public policy, negotiation, and law.
• Draft legal documents and represent clients in court.
• Present legal information to the public.

Skills

Excellent research skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Creative problem solving

Education

Membership in the Nova Scotia Barristers Society

Legal practice experience in family law

Tools

Computer software programs

Job description

About Us

We are the government law firm – the Legal Services Division of the Department of Justice. Legal Services lawyers advise and represent the provincial government on the most pressing legal and public policy issues of the day.

About Our Opportunity

This opportunity is for a position on our Family Litigation team in Halifax. Successful candidates may be asked to appear at Court locations outside of Halifax.

Primary Accountabilities

• Consult with client representatives, including Deputy Ministers, Executive Directors, and other senior leaders on matters involving law, negotiation, tactics or public policy; may attend management committees of client departments or frequently attend the meetings.
• Advising Ministers, Deputy/Associate Deputy Ministers, Executive Directors, and other senior government leaders on matters involving law, negotiation, strategy, and public policy;
• Appear before the Supreme Court (Family Division), Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada (occasionally);
• Drafting Affidavits and other documents and representing the client in court, often on short timelines;
• Presenting information about government and law to the public generally or as part of a consultation process for public policy development; and
• Serve on interdepartmental committees and project teams with senior and intermediate staff of client departments.

Qualifications And Experience

• Be a practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society (or eligible for practicing membership).
• Have legal practice experience in family law.
• Have a working knowledge of computer software programs, internet and electronic mail.

Our successful candidate will have excellent research, analytical, and organizational skills. You communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing, and have the ability to function with minimal supervision in a team environment. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges and have the flexiblity to adapt and thrive in a continuously changing and demanding environment.

The Following Are Assets But Not Required

• Practice experience in child protection law.
• Practice experience representing a child protection agency.
• Experience practicing within government.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.

Additional Information

This competition is selling to fill one (1) permanent and one (1) term employment opportunity, located in Halifax, NS. The term has an anticipated end date of February 26, 2027. The successful candidate must have access to a vehicle. Will be required to work overtime on occasion.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade

LAW I - LAW III

Salary Range

$3,568.55 - $7,240.93 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Contact

For questions and concerns, contact [e-mail].