We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
* WRITTEN COMMUNICATION will be assessed via the cover letter and/or the written exam. Therefore, communication needs to be grammatically correct, with appropriate vocabulary and minimal errors in punctuation and spelling. As a result, please use complete sentences.
Normally, applicants will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.
ONLY ON-LINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED in order to take advantage of the many benefits of using the electronic recruitment system. Some of the benefits for applicants include that you can:
- modify your application/resume at any time BEFORE the closing date;
- verify the status of your application and notification(s), at any time;
- be notified electronically of assessment details and results.
Persons who are unable to apply on-line must contact prior to the closing date.
The Supreme Court of Canada is looking for one (1) legal practitioner to join the Office of the Registrar and work directly with Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada. Working in a fast-paced and collegial environment, this Special Legal Counsel will provide expert legal advice to Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada on a broad range of legal matters of significant scope and impact. This person will be responsible for advising the judges on complex legal questions raised in appeals, providing legal advice and research in preparation for hearings, draft legal memoranda, assist with reasons review and complex editing, researching topics and writing speeches, presentations and articles for Judges, as well as providing assistance to law clerks. The Supreme Court of Canada provides an inclusive and rewarding workplace.
The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) is Canada’s final court of appeal. The SCC is a bilingual institution that hears cases in French and English, in all areas of the law, such as family, criminal, and tax law. It decides cases from Canada’s two major legal traditions, common and civil law. Its decisions affect the lives of all Canadians. The SCC recognizes that a key element necessary in achieving and retaining a representative workforce is providing a supportive work environment and fostering a corporate culture that is welcoming to all employees, including designated group members. According to the most recent public service employee surveys, the SCC is one of the best places to work in the federal public service. Given that the SCC is not served by Pay Center, it has its own compensation team responsible for administering the full range of pay and benefit transactions in Phoenix and MyGCHR.
The intent of this process is to staff one (1) position.
It may also be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to staff similar positions at the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada with varying language requirements, security profiles, and tenures.
Positions to be filled: 1
Your résumé.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of a Law degree from a recognized university.
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATION:
Membership in the bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or in the Order of Notaries in the Province of Quebec.
EXPERIENCE:
*Recent and **extensive experience in legal writing, in conducting legal research and in legal analysis on complex issues***.
*Recent experience in providing legal advice to senior management or judges.
*Recent experience is defined as being within the last six (6) years.
** “Significant experience” refers to the depth and extent of experience typically associated with carrying out a wide range of complex activities related to this task, usually acquired over a period of at least four (4) years.
***Complex issues are those that exhibit at least three (3) of the following characteristics: multidimensional, sensitive, confidential, involving numerous partners or stakeholders, precedent-setting, or having a major impact on service or program delivery.
EDUCATION:
As the Supreme Court of Canada considers cases from all jurisdictions in Canada, degree(s) from a recognized university in both the civil law and common law would be an asset.
EXPERIENCE:
Experience working in a judicial environment.
Experience in editing documents for publication, preferably legal documents.
Experience in drafting submissions or briefing notes for decision-makers in a judicial or quasi-judicial context.
English or French
Information on language requirements
KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of the role and function of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Knowledge of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Canada.
ABILITIES:
Ability to write legal texts, conduct legal research, and perform legal analysis on complex issues.
Ability to summarize facts and legal issues relating to cases before the Court.
Ability to analyze complex judgments and draft case abstracts and memoranda.
Excellent writing and editing skills.
Ability to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to make recommendations and provide sound legal advice.
Ability to work under pressure with multiple conflicting priorities.
PERSONAL SUITABILITIES:
Judgment
Effective interpersonal relationships
Reliability
Thinking things through
Attention to detail
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willingness and ability to work late as required.
Secret security clearance
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.
Information on employment equity
A random and/or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.
You must be prepared to provide the original or a certified true copy of your educational credentials. Candidates with foreign credentials must provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for further information at www.cicdi.ca/2/home.canada.
Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.
All communication and information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the close of process, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
Our intention is to communicate with candidates via email. Candidates who apply on this selection process must include in their application a valid e-mail address and to make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide any changes to their personal information to the contact indicated on this job advertisement.
Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.
Information on the preference to veterans
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.