At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex criminal cases and represent clients in various courts across the Northwest Territories.
- Company: Department of Justice, committed to accessible and efficient justice services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Northern Allowance, and opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for diverse needs and future career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while working in a culturally diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Law Degree, NWT Bar membership, and five years of criminal law experience.
The predicted salary is between 71.44 - 71.44 $ per hour.
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.
Located in Yellowknife and reporting to the Executive Director, Legal Aid Commission of the Northwest Territories (NWT), you will provide legal advice and representation in criminal law matters of increasing complexity across the Northwest Territories. This role involves independent case management, court appearances at all levels, and contributing to the Legal Aid Commission's mandate to deliver accessible, efficient justice services. You will also provide mentorship, legal opinions on funding decisions, and support public legal education initiatives in a northern and culturally diverse environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently manage and conduct complex criminal law cases with limited supervision.
- Represent clients in Territorial Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal, including circuit court travel across the NWT.
- Provide legal advice and representation to individuals charged with criminal offences.
- Appear at show cause hearings and act as duty counsel as required.
- Conduct criminal appeals and prepare legal arguments, motions, and court documents.
- Provide detailed legal opinions on legal aid applications, particularly for appeals.
- Oversee and maintain accurate client file documentation in compliance with procedures.
- Supervise and act as mentor to more junior staff lawyers or as a principal to articling students as directed by the Executive Director.
- Collaborate with court workers and support staff.
- Assist with public legal education as instructed by the Executive Director.
- Perform additional duties assigned by the Executive Director.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong expertise in Canadian and Northwest Territories criminal law.
- Proven experience appearing before all levels of court, including Court of Appeal.
- Understanding of Indigenous and northern issues, with experience working with Indigenous communities.
- Experience with negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Ability to work independently in a demanding and complex legal environment.
- Capacity to manage sensitive cases involving social challenges such as violence, mental health, and substance use.
Key Qualifications
- Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar combined with five (5) years of experience as legal counsel practicing in the criminal law area, experience working in a legal aid clinic environment and experience in managing other lawyers and support staff.
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 jobsyk@gov.nt.ca
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy. Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions. Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Job Opening ID # 28521 Closing Date: October 28, 2026 - 23:59, Mountain Time
The salary range for this position is from $71.44 per hour to $85.33 per hour (approximately $139,308 - $166,394) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.
Staff Lawyer III - Criminal in Yellowknife employer: gov
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) is an exceptional employer that prioritizes the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of workers across the NWT and Nunavut. With a strong commitment to professional development, a generous benefits package including a Northern Living Allowance, and a workplace culture that values diversity and work-life balance, the WSCC fosters an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to promote workplace health and safety, and be part of a team that truly values your contributions.
