Director Legal Division

Job Summary

Location: Yellowknife

Department: Justice

Job ID: 28597

Salary: $159,003 - $227,136

Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular

Closing Date: Nov 20, 2026

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Limited Competition

This Job Opening is limited to employees with the GNWT/WSCC in indeterminate and term positions.

Employees must apply through HRIS / Employee Self-Service. For instructions please see:

https://www.gov.nt.ca/careers/en/submit-application-gnwt-employee

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

Legal Division is the in-house law firm to the Government of the Northwest Territories, and is responsible to provide legal and strategic services to all government departments and most public agencies.

Key Responsibilities
Assists the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Northwest Territories in fulfilling their role as the official legal advisor to the Government
Ensures legal advice is provided to all Departments and specified public agencies of the Government
Superintending and conducting all litigation for or against the Government
Provides direction and guidance to counsel within the Division
Provides professional and comprehensive legal advice and services on a wide variety of matters
Must render legal advice and provide services in matters that are of a sensitive, significant or high profile nature
Ensures that the administration of the public affairs accords with the law
Fulfilling the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) under the Maintenance Enforcement Act, with enforcing and collecting child and spousal support, in addition to some functions under the Inter Jurisdictional Support Orders Act

Knowledge and Skills
Proven understanding of legal issues and processes relevant to the GNWT
The ability to think strategically, including the ability to recognize those issues that may have political, as well as legal implications
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
Effective listening skills including the ability to discern non-verbal communication skills
Effective advocacy and negotiation skills
The ability to meet deadlines and respond to changing priorities
The ability to work effectively and manage a large team of individuals
The ability to manage a budget

Key Qualifications
Degree in Common Law, membership in the Northwest Territories Bar, and seven (7) or more years of experience practicing law. Candidates must be members in good standing with the Law Society of the Northwest Territories (LSNT) or be immediately eligible for membership in the LSNT. Evidence of membership in the LSNT is a prerequisite to employment.

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
[email protected]

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

Employment in some positions requires an acceptable criminal records check. Possession of a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify candidates from further consideration.

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

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Transfer Assignments

Transfer Assignments may be considered.

Job Opening Information

Job Opening ID # 28567

Closing Date: November 20, 2026 23:59, Northwest Territories Time

Salary Information

The salary range for this position is from $81.54 per hour to $116.48 per hour (approximately $159,003 - $227,136) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.00

Application Assistance

For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application