Legal Counsel

Job Overview Base pay range: CA$133,053.00/yr - CA$166,315.00/yr

Type: Hybrid with Office

Job Term: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Eligibility: Canadian citizen or eligible to work in Canada as a permanent resident.

Union status: Excluded.

Closing date:

January 5, 2026

About the Employer The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) is a national union representing over 80,000 professionals and scientists across Canada. PIPSC is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and people are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our goals.

What can I expect to do in this role? Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel provides legal advice, analysis, and representation to the Institute. The role supports the Institute’s mandate by interpreting legislation, policies, and collective agreements, and by offering legal guidance on matters related to labour relations, employment, and corporate governance. The Legal Counsel conducts legal research, prepares opinions, and advises on the merits of potential legal proceedings, including judicial reviews. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, the position ensures sound legal interpretation and promotes consistent, informed decision‑making across the organization.

Primary responsibilities

Provide legal advice and interpretation to staff on collective agreements, National Joint Council directives, employer policies, and applicable legislation, communicating complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Advise Labour Relations staff on complex legal issues impacting individual member representation, ensuring consistency with Institute policies, labour legislation, and best practices.

Prepare legal opinions for the General Counsel on matters related to labour relations, employment law, and corporate issues, supported by thorough research and accurate interpretation.

Analyze and interpret jurisprudence, statutes, employer policies, and collective agreements to assess the legal merit of cases and provide recommendations on judicial reviews or other legal actions.

Provide legal guidance to Human Resources on grievances, disciplinary actions, internal policies, and staff relations matters.

Support the Institute’s bargaining team by providing legal advice on collective bargaining strategies, interpretation of agreements, and negotiation processes.

Direct and coordinate external legal counsel on the management of referred cases, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s strategic objectives.

Assist in dispute resolution processes, including mediation, arbitration, and settlement discussions, demonstrating strong conflict management skills and the ability to guide parties toward resolution.

Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis on labour relations, employment, and corporate matters to inform strategic and operational decision‑making.

Prepare and disseminate legal information, case summaries, and precedents of relevance to internal stakeholders.

Represent the Institute in internal and external meetings, committees, and consultations, as required.

Participate in multi‑disciplinary teams assigned to special projects and work collaboratively with employees in other sections.

May be requested to undertake other related duties on a periodic basis.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements Education / Experience:

Completion of a law degree and membership in a provincial or territorial law society.

Five (5) to Seven (7) years of progressive and related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language requirement: Fluency in both official languages (French and English) is required. Second‑language proficiency testing will form part of the hiring process for this position.

Skills and experience required

Knowledge of the authorities governing employer/employee relations in the federal public sector of Canada and/or other jurisdictions in which Institute members are employed.

Knowledge of corporate governance in the not‑for‑profit sector.

Knowledge of labour relations processes.

Knowledge of government decision‑making structures and processes.

Knowledge of the current federal public sector labour relations environment.

Ability to provide legal advice and counselling and utilize legal research tools.

Ability to communicate orally, conduct meetings, briefings, and make presentations.

Ability to disseminate pertinent and relevant case law and related information.

Ability to communicate in writing, to prepare briefs, reports, case analysis, and correspondence on a wide range of legal issues affecting the Institute and its members.

Compensation Package

Salary Range: Competitive salary.

Group Benefits: Health, Dental, life insurance and disability insurance.

Pension Plan: Defined Benefits.

Vacation: 4 weeks per year, plus other generous paid leave.

Paid Time Off: December 27th to 31st.

If you require accommodation for a disability during the recruitment process, please contact us with your details. Our staffing team will respond within 48 hours, and all information related to accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, psychologically safe, harassment‑free, and accessible work environment, starting from the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Legal

Industries

Government Administration

Location Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Greater Ottawa Metropolitan Area). Compensation: CA$133,053.00-CA$166,315.00.

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