Chief Crown Attorney

Competition # : 50341

Department: Public Prosecution Service

Location: HALIFAX and DARTMOUTH

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 11-Nov-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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).

About Our Opportunity

As the Chief Crown Attorney, you will supervise and manage the conduct of the Crown Attorneys and the prosecution cases undertaken by the Public Prosecution Service.

Reporting to the Director of Public Prosecutions, you will conduct prosecutions and provide management, guidance and leadership for the staff of this division of the NSPPS. In this role you will ensure compliance with instructions or guidelines issued by the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this position you will have a Bachelor of Laws Degree, have a practicing membership with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, plus 10 years’ experience in the practice of criminal law. Previous experience in the conduct of significant prosecutions and appeals is preferred.

Your significant criminal litigation experience in the various levels of court; extensive up-to-date knowledge of criminal law (statutes and caselaw) and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Rules of Evidence and the rules respecting summary conviction and indictable appeals is required.

You will have demonstrated competence in the areas of substantive and procedural criminal law, as well as provincial statute offences and regulations, advocacy, media and public relations skills. Your proven organizational skills in conducting major prosecutions; balancing case work and managerial functions are necessary to be successful in this role.

The superior communication skills you have developed are required in order to clearly explain complex factual and legal issues orally and in writing. In addition, you will have strong interpersonal skills including leadership, team building, ability to motivate others and to work cooperatively with other components of the criminal justice system.

Your proven administrative skills and experience in supervising legal staff is also needed. Familiarity with government administrative and operational policies is preferred.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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.

Additional Information

This competition is seeking to fill two (2) permanent full-time employment opportunities, located in Halifax and Dartmouth respectively.

Pay Grade:LSM 02

Salary Range:$7,810.66 - $8,654.97 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to [email protected].