Managing Lawyer – NSLAC (Port Hawkesbury)

Managing Lawyer – NSLAC (Port Hawkesbury) Type of Employment:

Permanent Location:

Port Hawkesbury – 302-15 Kennedy Street Salary:

Staff Lawyer Pay Plan Policy – Based on Relevant Experience Closing Date:

February 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm

Who we are: Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are vulnerable and historically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 25 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Staff Lawyers help thousands of clients every year and spend much of their time in court. They are committed to helping overcome historical barriers to access to justice. Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and other racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and women in underrepresented roles. If you are a member of one or more of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your electronic application, cover letter, or resume.

Primary Functions: The Managing Lawyer is a practicing lawyer who manages a Criminal/Family Office in Port Hawkesbury. This role provides consultation with respect to the overall Nova Scotia Legal Aid Program and carries a current client caseload out of Port Hawkesbury of a mixed Family/Criminal practice. This position is an expert resource to the Executive and staff and liaises with external stakeholders on subject matter issues and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Manages a regional office and carries out the administrative functions necessary to ensure the regional office operates within the mandate of NSLAC to deliver quality legal services to Nova Scotians who qualify for such services.

Provides management, guidance, and leadership to the staff in the regional offices and ensures implementation of NSLAC policy and Executive direction.

Participates in the overall management of NSLAC by providing input to the Executive and the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

Strong supervisory and management skills in leading, coaching and directing of lawyers and support staff, solid computer skills together with a good understanding of the use of new technologies within a dynamic work environment.

Excellent resource management skills with experience in effectively and efficiently allocating people and resources to achieve goals.

Excellent financial management skills, with experience in managing and controlling budgets and expenditures.

Excellent skills in the areas of planning, organizing, analyzing, case management and administering processes, initiatives and information to achieve goals.

Excellent problem‑solving skills focused on achieving continuous improvement.

Ability to make sound decisions that balance quality and timeliness with a full appreciation for their impact beyond own area of responsibility.

Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record for setting clear expectations, providing meaningful coaching and feedback, and creating an environment where employees are motivated and able to do their best.

Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and change management skills with a proven track record for securing the energy and commitment of others.

Ability to foster effective working relationships with peers, subordinates and external contacts and to work within a multi‑disciplinary team environment.

Experience in presenting legal information and interpretation to both legal and lay audiences, especially in providing written submissions both within the organization and to external authorities.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing, including working interculturally and with Community Stakeholders.

Management/supervisory experience is an asset.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Degree.

Practicing member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (and/or any other provincial law society) for a minimum of five years.

Extensive experience at every level of court.

If you are talented, conscientious and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca .

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

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