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.
Reporting to the Executive Director, as the Staff Lawyer V - Criminal, you will manage complex criminal cases and provide legal representation across all court levels in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The role requires independent case management, leadership in serious and appellate matters, participation in circuit courts in remote communities, and mentorship of junior counsel and articling students.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and representation to individuals charged with criminal offences across the NWT.
- Conduct hearings, including show cause hearings and appeals before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
- Manage complex and high-risk criminal and appellate cases independently.
- Prepare legal documents, motions, and applications.
- Provide legal opinions on appellate legal aid applications to support funding decisions.
- Participate in circuit courts in communities throughout the NWT.
- Serve as after-hours duty counsel.
- Supervise and mentor junior counsel, court workers, and articling students.
- Ensure effective file management and compliance with office procedures.
- Support public legal education initiatives and collaborate with justice system partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Knowledge & Skills
- Extensive experience and expertise in criminal law at all court levels.
- Strong knowledge of Federal and Territorial laws in the criminal law area.
- Understanding of Indigenous and northern issues, with experience working in northern communities.
- Experience with negotiation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution
- Ability to work independently and manage complex caseloads.
- Strong collaboration skills with counsel, court staff, prosecutors, and justice partners.
- Excellent advocacy, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
Key Qualifications
Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar combined with at least 20 years of experience as legal counsel practicing in the criminal law area including legal aid experience.
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
[email protected]
Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.
