Crown Attorney (Special Prosecutions)

About Us

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) offers a unique and meaningful opportunity to contribute to justice and public safety. Established in 1990 as the first statutorily based independent prosecution service in Canada, the mandate of the PPS is rooted in its commitment to ensuring fair and equal treatment in the prosecution of criminal and provincial offences. 

We are looking for the brightest legal minds, who also reflect the rich diversity of our province! We don’t just accept difference – we celebrate a supportive culture of diversity and belonging. We strive to create an environment where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and valued. We encourage applications from those that equally value and champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). 

Why Choose Us?

A career with the Public Prosecution Service in Nova Scotia provides a unique opportunity to contribute to justice, public safety, and the overall well-being of the community while working in a professional, inclusive, and ethical environment.

We are a dedicated and passionate team with a determination to make a difference in the society we serve, utilizing our expertise and recognizing and applying an equity and inclusion lens to our work, in our training and development, workplace culture, communications, partnering and engagement to ensure we protect and reflect the communities we live in and serve. 
 

What We Offer

1.    Commitment to Justice and Public Interest:
This is achieved by performing prosecution duties with fairness, professionalism, and integrity. Employees actively contribute to upholding the principles of justice in Nova Scotia.

2.    Mission and Goals:
Aligning with the Government of Nova Scotia's priority of fulfilling social responsibility for public safety, the PPS' mission and goals include providing excellence in public service, identifying, and managing resources effectively, applying best business practices, and fostering an environment for independent prosecutorial discretion that recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in ensuring representation reflective of the community.

3.    Core Business Functions:
Employees at the PPS engage in core business functions that play a crucial role in the legal landscape of Nova Scotia. These functions include representing the Crown in criminal and quasi-criminal matters at all levels of court, handling appeals, providing legal advice and assistance to law enforcement, and actively participating in the development of criminal law and prosecutions policy.

4.    Professional Development and High Ethical Standards:
The PPS is committed to maintaining a diverse team that reflects excellence, dedication to public service, and high ethical standards. Employees have the opportunity for professional development in a welcoming environment that values continuous improvement and recognizes diversity and inclusion contributes to a healthy and thriving workplace culture that allows team members to be their full selves at work, while upholding the highest ethical principles.

5.    Community Engagement:
The PPS is focused on providing a service that is reflective of the community it serves. By fostering diversity and inclusivity, employees contribute to building a legal system that understands and respects the needs and perspectives of the broader community.

6.    Impactful Contribution to Society:
Working for the PPS allows individuals to make a direct and meaningful impact on society by upholding the rule of law, protecting the safety and well-being of the community, and ensuring the fair treatment of those accused of prohibited conduct. 

For more information on the Public Prosecution Service please visit the following link: https://novascotia.ca/pps/ 
 

About Our Opportunity

 

You will report to the Chief Crown Attorney, Special Prosecutions Section, to whom you are accountable for the provision of competent prosecution services. You will conduct the prosecution of charges resulting from matters within the Public Prosecution Service mandate that result from law enforcement agency investigations.

You will also be responsible for prosecuting Occupational Health and Safety and other regulatory offence prosecutions, as well as complex files including fraud, murder, sexual assaults, and files involving multiple accused and/or multiple victims.

You will work with and provide education and training for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in Nova Scotia on major regulatory offence prosecutions, as well as cases including complex fraud, sexual assaults, and murder.

You will be responsible for providing pre-charge advice on law enforcement agency investigations, including assisting with search warrants and production orders, as well as advising law enforcement on the legality of different investigative techniques.

You will conduct such other prosecutions and duties as directed by the Chief Crown Attorney, Special Prosecutions Section.

The successful applicant will be required to travel to all parts of the province to prosecute cases and may be required to do so for extended periods of time.

 

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful applicant you:
 

• Must have at least 5 years’ experience in criminal law and significant experience prosecuting complex matters.
• Must have significant experience in advising police on search and seizure law, including searches of computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the prosecution process and competence in the areas of regulatory prosecutions, criminal procedure, evidence, and substantive criminal law.
• Must have significant experience in responding to Charter challenges, including search and seizure (s.8 of the Charter).
• Must be a practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society in good standing (or eligible for practicing membership).
• Must be able to travel and prosecute throughout Nova Scotia, sometimes for extended periods.
  
   

We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

 

Additional Information

These positions report to the Chief Crown Attorney, Special Prosecutions, located in Halifax. Flexibility may be available for successful applicants to remain in their regional office, subject to operational and logistical considerations. Travel within Nova Scotia, including attendance in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia for court, training, or meetings will be required.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.