Department Information

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.

Job Information

Located in Yellowknife, and reporting to the Executive Director, Legal Aid Commission, as the Staff Lawyer IV - Outreach, you provide legal advice and representation in family law and child welfare matters, ensuring clients' rights are protected in accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Legal Aid Act. You support access to justice for eligible Northwest Territories residents by delivering duty counsel services, including point-in-time advice and same-day court representation through the Outreach Legal Aid Clinic across communities on a rotational travel basis. You also administer the Clinic's financial and human resources, ensuring equitable, efficient, and responsive service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, lead, and maintain the Outreach Legal Aid Clinic program.
• Provide family law Duty Counsel services in Territorial Court and Supreme Court (twice weekly).
• Establish and maintain a systemic approach to Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI).
• Supervise Outreach Court Workers and other Legal Aid Commission staff, as required.
• Participate in staff performance appraisals and hiring processes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal and Northwest Territories legislation, including: Family Law Act, Children's Law Act, Child and Family Services Act, Judicature Act, Rules of Court, Territorial Court Act, Protection Against Family Violence Act, Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, Adoption Act, Legal Aid Act, Divorce Act, and related regulations.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous and northern issues, preferably with experience in a northern context.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Indigenous clients.
• Proficiency in negotiation, mediation, collaboration, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Proven expertise in family law and child welfare law.
• Ability to collaborate with legal professionals and justice system stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to respond to diverse legal and social issues.
• Knowledge of legal and social support services available across the Northwest Territories.

Key Qualifications
Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar, and ten years of experience as legal counsel practicing in family law, experience working in a legal aid clinic environment and experience in an outreach setting.

GNWT Inquiries

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
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.