Staff Lawyer III

The mandate of the Department of Justice is to administer justice, including policing, community justice, victims services and corrections in the Northwest Territories. This mandate will be carried out in a manner which respects community and indigenous values and encourages communities to assume increasing responsibilities.

The incumbent is required to:
- Work independently on files assigned by the Executive Director under moderate supervision.
- Provide thorough opinions on the merits of applications for legal aid including reference to the relevant law ensuring that the opinions provide a clear basis for the Executive Director's decision to fund applications.
- Recognize that the impact of advice opinions and service provided on behalf of clients can be critical to and have a significant impact upon them and their families.
- Take on files of increasing complexity in custody and child support applications and child protection matters ranging from care agreements to lengthy and complex permanent wardship applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar.
- Full working knowledge of and experience in:
o The relevant laws of Canada and the Northwest Territories including particularly the Family Law Act, Children's Law Act, Child and Family Services Act, Judicature Act, Rules of Court, Territorial Court Act, Protection Against Family Violence Act, Inter Jurisdictional Support Orders Act, Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, Adoption Act, Legal Aid Act, Divorce Act and the associated regulations.
o Aboriginal and norther issues in general and experience in a norther setting and particular experience working with aboriginal clients.
- Working knowledge of and/or some experience in negotiation, mediation, collaboration and/or alternative dispute resolution.
- Experience and recognized ability in family law and child protection law and significant experience appearing before all levels of court and administrative tribunals.
- Ability to work well with other counsel in a close clinic setting and other professionals in the justice system.

Typically, the above qualification would be attained by:
Five years of experience as legal counsel practicing in the family law area will be required along with experience working in a legal aid clinic environment.

Inquiries Only:

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel Extension 14106
Fax

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.