Careers Posting | Nova Scotia Legal Aid

Staff Lawyer Position – Antigonish Office

September 11, 2026/in Careers Posting

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

STAFF LAWYER

Type of Employment: 12-Month Term Contract
Location: 70 West Street, Suite 2, Antigonish NS
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 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 25 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.

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 and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and other racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and women in underrepresented roles. If you are a member of one or more of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your electronic application, cover letter, or resume.

Primary Functions:

The Staff Lawyer provides advice and legal representation on a broad range of criminal and family related legal matters. This position will provide services in Provincial and Supreme Court but may also carry some family law files and will require travel to other jurisdictions for criminal matters (Provincial, Supreme and Wellness Courts). This role also shares responsibility for cells and non-cells duty counsel, daytime telephone duty counsel and summary advice for various legal issues. The lawyer will give legal opinions, file legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in mediation sessions and offer useful advice to clients. The successful candidate may be expected to participate in community and other legal education in the areas of criminal and family and related procedures.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant criminal and family law.
Ability to manage a high caseload.
Be able to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solve, and work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with community partners.
Must be skilled in negotiation, debate, and persuasion techniques.
Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
Training or advocacy experience in relation to mental health issues.
Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Experienced in the investigation of facts, identification of issues, ascertaining organizational objectives, consideration of alternative solutions, risk analysis, and advise to clients.
Demonstrated ability to use the latest communication technologies.
Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research and Microsoft 365 applications.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

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).

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. If you require any accommodation during your application and/or interview process, please let us know.

Legal Assistant Position – Northeast Corridor Office – Truro

September 11, 2026/in Careers Posting

NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Available Position: Part-time (3 days a week) – 12-Month Contract
Location: Northeast Corridor Office, Truro- 204-14 Court Street
Salary: TE 13-1 to TE 19-5 ($26,825.92 to $38,931.98)
Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 2026, at 12:00 pm

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

NSLAC employs staff in 25 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, a Social Justice Support Worker, and a Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

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 and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and other racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and women in underrepresented roles. If you are a member of one or more of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your electronic application, cover letter, or resume.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyer under the direction of Staff Lawyers, the Legal Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to the lawyers in the day-to-day conduct of clients’ legal affairs. This role will primarily focus on criminal law though assistance in family and social justice law may be required. An understanding of and commitment to client service is imperative. The Legal Assistant must have a broad range of knowledge relating to the functions, activities, policies and practices of the NSLAC.

Ideal Abilities and Skills:

Effectively manage the front desk, incoming calls, application intake, and distribution.
Manage, organize, and coordinate Lawyers’ practice(s).
Transcribe and type briefs and correspondence, and assure timely preparation, accuracy, and documentation of all related documents including Orders, affidavits, financial statements, petitions, etc.
Ensure the management of all legal administrative related duties, including certificate administration.
Ability to work independently, to take initiative, and use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
Be able to work with clients who have complex needs and works independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Office and Outlook.
All other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal or equivalent training and related relevant experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience with family law cases, criminal court practices, social justice matters, procedures and systems would be an asset.

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, office location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the posting 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. If you require any accommodation during your application and/or interview process, please let us know.

Chief Executive Officer Position – Executive Office

August 14, 2026/in Careers Posting

Below please find links for the Chief Executive Officer position shared by Royer Thompson as well as a copy of the ad. The “Apply Now” link is also included below.

CEO Ad

LinkedIn Post

Apply Now