Department of Justice

The Government of Nunavut (GN) was selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Top Employers for Young People and recent graduates in 2025. With one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in Canada, Nunavut is a dynamic, vibrant territory, committed to becoming an even better place for future generations. As a government, we are strengthening our unique model of governance - one that integrates Inuit societal values, promotes the use of the Inuktut language, achieves a representative public service, and collaborates with partners to achieve the promise of Nunavut. Successful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary, medical and dental benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, relocation privileges and opportunities for training and career advancement.

Based in Iqaluit, NU, the Legal Counsel works within the Legal and Constitutional Law Division of the Department of Justice. This Division was the winner of the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association Legal Team of the Year Award in 2023. Under the general direction of the Deputy Minister of Justice and the Director of Legal and Constitutional Law the incumbent will provide legal services to Cabinet, all government departments and certain public agencies. This position also represents the interests of the Government of Nunavut in all court and tribunal proceedings, in intergovernmental and other negotiations. Incumbents to the position will provide legal services in relation to commercial law matters, including drafting and reviewing major contracts, contribution agreements, and templates for use by various government departments. Incumbents will also provide legal advice and services in relation government procurement, labour and employment law, the Nunavut Agreement, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Common Law degree (e.g., JD, or  LLB) from a recognized Canadian University or a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
• Must be eligible for unrestricted membership in the Law Society of Nunavut and/or be a member in good standing of a Provincial or Territorial Bar.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral English language skills.
• Sound judgment, and keen understanding of clients’ interests and needs.
• At least two (2) years experience doing either similar legal work or work of a type and breadth that demonstrates competence in a Government Legal Counsel environment.

ASSETS

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Corporate Commercial Law, Litigation, Environmental Law, Construction Law.
• Ability to communicate in Inuktitut.
• Knowledge of the Inuit communities, culture, and land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and Inuktut.
• Experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment.

Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.

Note: This is a Position of Trust and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.

Compensation & Benefits

This indeterminate position is included in the Nunavut Employees Union and offers a salary range of $ 131,767 to $180,008 per year (for 37.5 hours/week), plus a Northern Allowance of $16,008 per year, depending on the location. Subsidized staff housing is also available for this position.

For more information and to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity as a Legal  Counsel (multiple positions) (Reference # 95 ), please contact us or send your resume, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, July 11, 2025. Job descriptions may be obtained by fax or e-mail, or online. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Note: An eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies. Applicants may submit their resume in any of the Official Languages of Nunavut (i.e., Inuktut, English or French).

The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a more representative workforce so it can better understand and serve the needs of Nunavummiut. Priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit. Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Nunavut Priority Hiring Policy. Employment in some positions requires an acceptable criminal record check. Possession of a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify candidates from further consideration.

For position details, please visit the https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/jobs/legal-counsel-multiple-positions/95.