Staff Lawyer IV - Criminal
Job Summary
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
As the Staff Lawyer IV - Criminal, you will provide senior-level legal services in criminal law across the Northwest Territories, managing cases of varying complexity with minimal supervision. This includes court appearances across regional circuits, providing expert legal opinions on legal aid applications, and mentoring junior lawyers and court workers. You will support access to justice by ensuring fair representation in accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Legal Services Act.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and representation to individuals charged with criminal offences.
- Appear in Territorial Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal, including circuit court travel.
- Act as duty counsel, including after-hours support and show cause hearings.
- Conduct appeals and prepare legal arguments, motions, and court documents.
- Provide well-reasoned legal opinions on legal aid applications, including appeals.
- Manage and maintain accurate client files in compliance with procedures.
- Supervise and mentor junior counsel and provide direction to court workers.
- Collaborate effectively with justice system partners, including prosecutors and court staff.
- Contribute to public legal education initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Knowledge and Skills
- Extensive experience and expertise in criminal law at all court levels, including the Court of Appeal.
- Strong knowledge of Canadian and Northwest Territories legislation and legal processes.
- Understanding of Indigenous and northern issues, with experience working in northern communities.
- Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and supervisory capabilities.
- Ability to work independently and manage complex caseloads with minimal supervision.
- Effective advocacy, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strong collaboration skills with legal professionals and justice partners.
Key Qualifications
Law Degree and membership in the NWT Bar combined with at least 10 years of experience as legal counsel practicing in the criminal law area and experience working in a legal aid clinic environment.
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.
More Information
Indigenous Employment Policy
Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.
Criminal Records Check
Candidates must provide a satisfactory criminal record check. Failure to provide a satisfactory check may deem you disqualified from the competition.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.
Eligibility
Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis. For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.
Job Opening Information
Job Opening ID # 27904
Closing Date: June 17, 2026 - 23:59, Mountain Time
Salary Information
The salary range for this position is from $78.12 per hour to $93.31 per hour (approximately $152,334 - $181,955) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.
Application Assistance
For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application