Legal Counsel

Title:Legal Counsel
Status of employment:Full-time/Permanent
Office Location:Dartmouth, NS

As a commitment to reconciliation, Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of NS wishes to honor the historical- cultural strengths and beauty of Mi’kmaw practices, beliefs, and values. We are currently seeking a culturally confident, resourceful, and respected individual. The qualified candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple and sometimes competing priorities.

Position Summary:
Provide legal advice and representation to the Agency and employees on matters pertaining to child protection and related matters, including the application of the Children and Family Services Act, an Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, Metis, children, youth, and families, and related legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide an effective representation of Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia ("MFCS") related to child protection matters before the Courts.
• Ensure that documentation is drafted with high quality and in accordance with required timelines.
• Provide legal advice to MFCS (including social workers, supervisors, etc.) as it relates to child protection matters.
• In providing legal advice and representing MFCS, it is expected that legal counsel will collaborate and obtain information from MFCS to provide the best possible legal advice to MFCS.
• Apply applicable legislation and court rules in managing files and representing MFCS.
• Collaborate with other legal counsel within MFCS (externally if required) to provide effective representation.
• Draft any necessary documentation, court pleadings, correspondence, memoranda, etc. as required in the representation of MFCS
• Complete legal research and analysis, when required, in the representation of MFCS.
• Perform any administrative tasks required in the performance of the job of legal counsel.
• Apply policies and procedures of MFCS.
• Ensure that all requirements of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society, including annual reporting and continuing education are completed fully.

Qualifications:

• A practicing member of, or eligible for admission to, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
• Practice experience in Child Protection Law
• Understand legal procedures in Family Law
• Have a thorough understanding of common law principles, statutes, and legal procedures; competent research and analytical skills; interpersonal, oral, and written skills; and ability to function independently and in a team
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to be patient, empathetic, and understanding
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic with a professional and positive interest in their work
• Superior computer skills, specifically Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, with the ability to learn new software quickly
• Willing/able to travel throughout Nova Scotia
• A valid driver’s license, and access to a reliable vehicle

Classification Range: MCL 15 - MCL 29
Salary range: $68, 978. 26 - $167, 350. 82

What We Offer:
Based on the employment status, we offer a wide range of benefits such as:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package
• Defined contribution pension plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Three (3) weeks’ vacation to start
• Paid time off for Christmas office closure
• General Illness (Short and Long Term)

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
Holly MacDonald, Director of Human Resources Email: holly.macdonald@novascotia.ca

Deadline for Applications: Thursday, May 11th, 2023

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, or discharge, will be based on competence, performance, and operational need. Offer of employment is conditional upon completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preferences Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.