The mandate of the Department of Justice is to administer justice, including policing, community justice, victimservices, 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.

Job Information

Key Responsibilities

Civil Litigation, where you will prepare pleadings, review documents, develop strategic directions on files, provide advice to client departments on legal risk, engage with legal counsel for other parties, and represent the GNWT in courts and tribunals in case conferences, motions, and trials.

Labour and Employment, where you will provide advice and services related to discipline, termination, interpretation of the collective agreement, labour relations, and other similar matters. This will also include appearing before Arbitrators to address grievances.

Human Rights matters, where you will provide advice and services relating to Human Rights complaints filed against the GNWT. This will include participating in alternative dispute resolution processes and appearing before the NWT Human Rights Adjudication Panel.

The potential for opportunities in other key practice areas such as Health Law, Professional Regulation, and Privacy Law.

Legal Division is a team environment, and we value collaboration and relationships amongst counsel.



Litigation Counsel are regularly called upon to support the other work of the Division through:

- Providing day-to-day legal advice
- Drafting and communicating clear, concise, and accurate legal opinions
- Providing advice on policies, procedures, and programs
- Researching, monitoring, and communicating changes to the law that may impact the organization
- Collaborating with clients to develop proactive strategies which minimize legal risk

Knowledge and Skills

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective problem solving and interpersonal skills
- Strong desire to learn
- Knowledge in the area(s) of Civil Litigation, Administrative Law, Labour and Employment Law, Human Rights Law, and Public Sector Law

Key Qualifications

Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar combined with five (5) years or more experience doing either similar legal work as contemplated, including recent litigation, or work of a type and breadth that demonstrates competence in a government legal counsel workplace.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:

- Department of Finance
- Government of the Northwest Territories
- YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
- BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
- Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
- Fax (867) 873-0445
- [email protected]

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

📌 Legal Counsel III to V (Canada)
🏢 Government of Northwest Territories
📍 Canada