174801 - Departmental Solicitor II - Department of Justice and Public Safety - Permanent

The Department of Justice and Public Safety is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

This position involves professional legal work as a barrister, solicitor and attorney with the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The incumbent will provide a complete range of legal services to government departments and agencies. Work consists of cases or legal problems involving conflicting legal principles or unique elements and requiring the interpretation of varied and complex legislation. Work may involve acting as legal advisor or counsel on matters of substantial importance to the operations of Government.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Provide advice based on a review of applicable legislation, case law and/or legal principles on a wide variety of legal issues as the need arises within various departments;
• Required to represent several client departments; therefore, will need to provide advice on a range of issues and fact situations, including advice regarding contracts and agreements;
• Participate in projects which are in the planning stages to provide advice with respect to legal issues arising during the planning process;
• Conduct research and perform legal analysis;
• Routinely exercise judgment on the law independently and on short notice;
• Attend client meetings to gather factual information;
• Represent the Government before Courts and various boards (examples: Judicial Review matters, appeals of Government decisions to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, Self-Insurance and Risk Management Fund, child protection);
• Preparation for hearings or trials can include the process of disclosure of documents, discovery, research, preparation of affidavits, briefs, factums or pre-trial conference memoranda and determining evidence requirements for hearing or trial; and
• Provide legal advice on special projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a recognized law school and membership in the Law Society of Prince Edward Island is required;
• Must have extensive experience as a practicing lawyer, either in private practice or in the public sector; Applicants who do not have extensive experience may be considered for a provisional appointment;
• Must have strong drafting, analytical, negotiation, mediation and litigation skills;
• Ability to work both independently in a self-directed manner and as an effective member of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to use legal research databases (Westlaw, CanLII);
• Must have excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

Other Qualifications:

• Additional relevant education and experience will be considered an asset.

The Public Service is inspired to make a positive impact and proud to shape the future of our Island Community.