Legal Counsel

Canadian Association of Labour Media; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 133,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

A national union representing professionals in Canada is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal advice on labour relations and employment matters. This hybrid position requires a law degree, membership in a law society, and 5-7 years of experience. Proficiency in both English and French is essential. The role involves advising staff, preparing legal opinions, and supporting collective bargaining. Generous compensation and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Health benefits

Defined benefits pension plan

Generous vacation

Paid time off during holidays

Qualifications

• Completion of a law degree and membership in a provincial or territorial law society.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive and related experience.
• Proficiency in both English and French, written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and interpretation on collective agreements and employer policies.
• Advise on complex legal issues impacting member representation.
• Prepare legal opinions on matters related to labour relations and employment law.
• Support the bargaining team with collective bargaining strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of employer/employee relations

Legal research and analysis

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of corporate governance

Conflict management skills

Education

Law degree and membership in a provincial law society

5-7 years of progressive related experience

Job description

Internal/External/Backfill

Division: Legal Services

City: Ottawa, ON

Type of position: Hybrid with office

Job Term: Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week) 12-month term, Full-time (35 hours per week)

Eligibility: The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or eligible to work in Canada as a permanent resident

Union/Non: Excluded

Competition: 25-53

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), a national union representing over 80,000 professionals and scientists across Canada, is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our team at our National Office in Ottawa.

PIPSC/IPFPC is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our goals and objectives. We are making concerted efforts to foster a workforce that is representative of our diverse membership. We strive to create a work environment that is welcoming to everyone regardless of their gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and nationality, particularly equity deserving groups, such as members of the IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with disabilities.

All qualified candidates will be considered; however, in support of achieving a diversified workforce we encourage applications for this opportunity from candidates belonging to one of the employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Metis or Inuit), peoples of colour or persons with a disability. Consideration will be given to a qualified candidate who, at the time of application, voluntarily indicates being part of these groups.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel provides legal advice, analysis, and representation to the Institute. The role supports the Institute’s mandate by interpreting legislation, policies, and collective agreements, and by offering legal guidance on matters related to labour relations, employment, and corporate governance. The Legal Counsel conducts legal research, prepares opinions, and advises on the merits of potential legal proceedings, including judicial reviews. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, the position ensures sound legal interpretation and promotes consistent, informed decision-making across the organization.

Primary responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and interpretation to staff on collective agreements, National Joint Council directives, employer policies, and applicable legislation, communicating complex information clearly to diverse audiences through well-researched, fact-based arguments that support informed decision-making.
• Advise Labour Relations staff on complex legal issues impacting individual member representation, ensuring consistency with Institute policies, labour legislation, and best practices. Uphold the highest standards of quality, confidentiality, and professional ethics when managing highly sensitive legal matters and interactions.
• Prepare legal opinions for the General Counsel on matters related to labour relations, employment law, and corporate issues, supported by thorough research and accurate interpretation.
  Analyze and interpret jurisprudence, statutes, employer policies, and collective agreements to assess the legal merit of cases and provide recommendations on judicial reviews or other legal actions, applying established legal principles and regulations to develop effective solutions.
• Provide legal guidance to Human Resources on grievances, disciplinary actions, internal policies, and staff relations matters.
  Support the Institute’s bargaining team by providing legal advice on collective bargaining strategies, interpretation of agreements, and negotiation processes.
• Direct and coordinate external legal counsel on the management of referred cases, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s strategic objectives.
• Assist in dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and settlement discussions, demonstrating strong conflict management skills and the ability to guide parties toward resolution through logical reasoning and clear communication.
  Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis on labour relations, employment, and corporate matters to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
• Prepare and disseminate legal information, case summaries, and precedents of relevance to internal stakeholders.
  Represent the Institute in internal and external meetings, committees, and consultations, as required.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams assigned to special projects and work collaboratively with employees in other sections.
• May be requested to undertake other related duties on a periodic basis.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

Education / Experience:

• Completion of a law degree and membership in a provincial or territorial law society; and
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive and related experience, or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language requirement:

• Proficiency in both official languages (English and French / written and oral) is required

*Second-language proficiency testing will form part of the hiring process for this position.

Skills and experience required:

• Knowledge of the authorities governing employer/employee relations in the federal public sector of Canada and/or other jurisdictions in which Institute members are employed
• Knowledge of corporate governance in the not-for-profit sector
• Knowledge of labour relations processes
• Knowledge of government decision-making structures and processes
• Knowledge of the current federal public sector labour relations environment
• Ability to provide legal advice and counselling and utilize legal research toolsAbility to communicate orally, conduct meetings, briefings and make presentations
• Ability to disseminate pertinent and relevant case law and related information
• Ability to communicate in writing, to prepare briefs, reports, case analysis, and correspondence on a wide range of legal issues affecting the Institute and its members.

Compensation Package

• Salary Range: $133,053 to $166,315 (G9)
• Group Benefits: Health, Dental, life Insurance and disability Insurance
• Pension Plan: Defined Benefits
• Vacation: 4 weeks per year, plus other generous paid leave
• Paid Time Off: December 27th to 31st

How to apply

You are invited to visit our Career Centre via the following link (External Applicants) to submit your application. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on January 5, 2026.

Submit a cover letter and resume tailored to the qualifications outlined in the job posting. Your documents should include specific examples that clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of this position, as your application will be evaluated based solely on the information provided.

If you require accommodation for a disability during the recruitment process, please contact us with your details. Our Staffing team will respond within 48 hours, and all information related to accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, psychologically safe, harassment-free, and accessible work environment, starting from the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.