Staff Lawyer Position – Mental Health Legal Services – Dartmouth

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NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

STAFF LAWYER

 

Type of Employment:  1-year Term Contract with potential for permanency
Location: Dartmouth Mental Health Legal Services – 300-99 Wyse Road, Dartmouth
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date:  April 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm

Who we are:
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged.  NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 24 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice.  Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals and advocated successfully for much needed systematic change.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer, the Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of legal matters in the Provincial and Supreme Court and various administrative boards (IPTA and CCRB).  The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in collaborative sessions, and offer useful advice to clients. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of administrative and mental health law and related procedures.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of administrative law and mental health law.
  • Ability to manage a high caseload.
  • Ability to work with clients who have complex mental health needs, creatively problem solve, work independently in a fast-paced environment and be able to collaborate with a team of colleagues and community partners.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with community partners.
  • Must be skilled in collaboration, negotiation, and persuasion techniques.
  • Ability to maintain compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
  • Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues is required.
  • Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
  • Experience in the investigation of facts, identification of issues, ascertaining organizational objectives, consideration of alternative solutions, analyzation of risk, and advice to clients.
  • Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies.
  • Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, Microsoft Word and Outlook, or equivalents.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.
  • Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society) for at least five (5) years.

If you are talented, conscientious and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.