Parenting Legal Advocacy & Navigation Staff Lawyer Position – Dartmouth

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NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION
STAFF LAWYER
PARENTING LEGAL ADVOCACY AND NAVIGATION (PLAN)

 

Available Position: 1-year Term with possibility of permanency
Location: PLAN/Dartmouth Family Office – 1210-99 Wyse Road, Dartmouth
Salary: Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy- Based on Relevant Experience
Closing Date:  January 19, 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 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:
The Staff Lawyer will have a child protection practice, focusing on early intervention for families before child protection court proceedings are initiated. The Staff lawyer will also represent parents in child protection court applications, during the interim stage of the proceeding.  Representation may also include other related family matters in the Supreme Court (Family Division). 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 will be expected to participate in community outreach and will deliver legal education in family law and related procedures.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

  • Understanding of colonialism and racism; historic experience of African Nova Scotians and Indigenous peoples in Nova Scotia
  • Ability to demonstrate connection to community, engagement and relationship building
  • Trauma informed training including understanding of racial trauma
  • Understanding of intersectionality
  • Strong written and oral advocacy
  • Demonstrated experience with child protection law
  • Ability to communicate (oral and written) in plain language and with compassion
  • Knowledge of resources in the community
  • Understanding of collaborative and alternative dispute resolution processes
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of relevant family law legislation.
  • Ability to manage a high caseload.
  • Be able to work with clients who have complex needs, creatively problem solves and works independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team.
  • 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.
  • Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk, and advise clients.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to communicate in French and English is an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones.
  • Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including legal research applications, MS Word and Outlook or equivalents.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • All other duties as required.

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.