Title: Legal Counsel
Position: Permanent/Full time (35 hours/week)
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Office Location: Eskasoni, NS
Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 30, 2024
As a commitment to reconciliation, Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of NS wishes to honour 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 – Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia (“MFCS”) and employees on matters of 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 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 following 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.
– Stay up to date with changes in laws and regulations that may impact the organization
– Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure legal compliance
– Assist in developing and implementing legal strategies to mitigate risk
– 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
– Conduct legal research and analysis on a variety of legal issues, 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:
– Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree
– Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society)
– Demonstrated progressive experience within the legal practice, particularly relating to Family Law
– Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines
– Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and high emotional intelligence, including the ability to practice remarkable patience, empathy, and understanding of cultural diversity
– Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively
– Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies
– Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents
– Thorough understanding of common law principles, statutes, and legal procedures
– Excellent research and analytical skills
– Ability to create required legal documents and correspondence
– Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
– Must have a valid driver’s license for frequent commutes to various locations in Nova Scotia
Classification range: MCL 20 – MCL 29
Salary range : $79,886.04 – $167,350.82
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
What We Offer
Based on the employment status, successful candidates may be eligible for our comprehensive health and dental benefits package as well as a defined contribution pension plan.
We offer a wide range of benefits such as:
− Employee and Family Assistance Program
− Three (3) weeks’ vacation to start
− Paid time off for Christmas office closure
− General Illness
Please submit a cover letter, resume and two professional references to:
Holly MacDonald, Director of Human Resources
Email: Holly.MacDonald@novascotia.ca
As part of the hiring process, successful candidates must undergo a
vulnerable sector check and provide clearance from the child abuse registry.
Link to Job Posting:
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 8/30/2024