Position – Executive Director – Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) is an independent Commission legislatively mandated to provide legal representation to vulnerable Nova Scotians. Our focus is criminal, family and social justice law. The Commission works collaboratively with other justice stakeholders to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our criminal and family justice systems. The mandate of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, to the extent that Government funding permits, is:

(a)  To deliver quality legal services to qualified applicants with priority for matters involving the liberty and civil rights of individual clients and for matters involving the integrity and protection of an individual’s family;

(b) Such other legal services as Government may contract with the Commission to provide to individuals or groups.

The NSLAC is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the Commission’s executive head. Accountable to the Commission you will be responsible for the general administration of the legal aid plan and staff in accordance with the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Act and the Regulations. As the Executive Director, you will provide strategic direction and management to an organization of 176 staff (of which 97 are lawyers), offices across the Province and a total budget of $25 million. You are a champion of excellence in client service and will, through sound operational and financial stewardship, enhance the organization’s ability to improve access to justice for vulnerable Nova Scotians. You bring strategic vision and management acumen to this leadership position as the organization undergoes change to support the sustainability of access to justice in Nova Scotia. You are comfortable working with key stakeholders including: clients, agencies, courts, justice officials and various government departments.

The NSLAC seeks a leader with demonstrated experience in a complex, dynamic and client centre environment. You have held positions of leadership with the need to balance and represent various interests in a fair and equitable manner. You hold yourself to the highest standards of professional service using collaboration, innovation, equity and honesty. You are committed to supporting and contributing to the maintenance and development of an efficient and effective justice system that protects the constitutional rights and due process of individuals and promotes their economic stability and social wellbeing.

Being a barrister in good standing; having knowledge of the Statutes of NS, criminal law, constitutional law, family law, administrative law and civil litigation procedures; experience in legal aid and ability to communicate in both English and French will be considered assets.

If you are interested in this opportunity, submit your application / resume by email at astewart@wickwireholm.com or by mail to the attention of Audrey Stewart, Wickwire Holm, PO Box 1054, Halifax, NS B3J 2X6.

All applications must be submitted before midnight, October 21, 2016.

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