About the position
DutiesReporting to the Director and General Counsel, the Legal Advisor provides high-quality legal services in support of the mandate of the Canadian Judicial Council under the Judges Act. The Legal Advisor plays a central role in the administration of the judicial conduct regime and contributes to the integrity, fairness, and efficiency of the complaint review process.
In particular, the Legal Advisor will:
• Support the delivery of the Council’s mandate under the Judges Act in relation to complaints against federally appointed judges, ensuring processes are conducted fairly, independently, and efficiently.
• Provide timely, sound, and well-reasoned legal advice to the Council, its members, and senior executives on matters relating to judicial conduct, administrative law, and statutory interpretation.
• Act as a Screening Officer at the first stage of the judicial conduct process, including reviewing complaints and rendering written decisions in accordance with the Judges Act and the Council’s Review Procedures.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Council’s Review Procedures, directives, policies, and guidance documents.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Secretariat and support Council members as required.
Work environmentThe Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) was created by Parliament in 1971 under the Judges Act to promote efficiency and uniformity, and to improve the quality of judicial service in all superior courts in Canada. The CJC also performs the quasi-Constitutional function of administering the process of review of complaints or allegations of misconduct involving a superior court judge. While its role in reviewing complaints about possible misconduct is key to preserving the public’s confidence in the judiciary, the CJC plays a broader role within Canada’s justice system, on issues such as professional development and access to justice. The CJC Secretariat supports the Council and its members in achieving their mandate.
The CJC Secretariat, within the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada (FJA), is part of the Core Public Administration and is not serviced by the Pay Centre. We have our own compensation team. The CJC Secretariat is comprised of approximately 15 employees; FJA has approximately 70 employees. Most of the employees have a closed office. CJC offices are located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The area is served by all major bus routes and a light rail station, and employees have access in the building to amenities such as a kitchen, showers, change rooms, and secure bicycle storage. There is ample parking available nearby at the employee’s cost.
Currently, all employees are expected to work on-site for a minimum of 3 days per week established by the employer. Please note that these conditions are subject to change.
Intent of the process
The intent of this process is to staff one (1) determinate position for a period of 18 months within the Canadian Judicial Council.
A fully or partially assessed pool may be created and may be used to staff identical or similar positions at the same or equivalent group and level, with various tenures, bilingual linguistic profiles and security requirements within the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.
Our intention is to communicate with candidates via e-mail. Candidates who apply on this selection process must include in their application a valid e-mail address and 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.
Merit criteria may be assessed throughout the entire process. All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to the closing of the process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.
The screening questions and résumé may be used to evaluate the ability to communicate effectively in writing.
The selection committee reserves all rights to use any methods that they deem appropriate in order to evaluate the candidates (written examination, interview, reference check, etc.).
Proof of your education credentials will be required at a later date. Candidates with foreign education credentials are required to provide proof of Canadian equivalency. Any applicable fees are the responsibility of the candidate.
It is important to note that in order to manage the volume of applications, the selection committee may at any time decide to use various strategies such as the application of one or more other qualifications, the top-down selection or other strategies.
Please note that achieving a pass mark on any of the assessment used does not mean you will move forward in the selection process. Management may decide to use a cut-off mark that is higher than the pass mark on any evaluation used throughout the process.
For Government of Canada employees: please clearly identify your substantive group and level, and your employment status, and Personal Record Identifier (PRI) in your application (if available).
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
Education
A bachelor of law degree.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Occupational Certification
Eligibility for 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
EX1: Significant* experience issuing administrative decisions or providing legal advice to a judicial or quasi-judicial decision-maker.
EX2: Significant* experience providing strategic and legal advice on complex** issues to senior officials***.
EX3: Recent**** and significant* experience providing legal advice on constitutional and administrative law.
* Significant experience is understood to mean the depth and breadth of experience normally acquired over a minimum period of two (2) years.
** Complex is defined as involving multiple competing issues raised in a delicate or highly sensitive context, involving multiple parties, or dealing with novel questions of law.
*** Senior official is defined as Director General or above
**** Recent experience is understood to mean in the last five (5) years.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge
K1. Knowledge of the procedures and practices governing hearings in courts and administrative tribunals, and of the legal principles applicable to such proceedings, particularly in the areas of evidence, statutory interpretation, and natural justice.
K2. Knowledge of the mandate and role of the Canadian Judicial Council, particularly regarding issues of judicial conduct.
Competencies
C1: Demonstrating Integrity and Respect
C2: Working effectively with others
C3: Showing initiative and being action oriented
C4: Attention to detail
C5: Discretion
Abilities
A1: Ability to communicate effectively orally.
A2: Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
A3: Ability to analyse complex legal issues and recommend strategic solutions.
A4: Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities within short deadlines.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
Bilingual - Imperative (CCC/CCC) - A partially assessed pool of candidates may be established to staff positions with other bilingual language profiles such as BBB, CBB and CBC.
Learn more about language requirements.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
Selection may be limited to members of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous (Aboriginal) peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.
Learn more about employment equity.