Legal Counsel – Workers’ Compensation Board of NovaScotia

Legal Counsel – Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia About the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is the province’s provider of workplace injury insurance. We inform and inspire Nova Scotians in the prevention of workplace injury. But if it occurs, we support those whose lives it touches by championing a timely return to safe and healthy work. We also provide caring, compassionate support in the wake of workplace tragedy. Our employees describe the culture as Collaborative, Evolving, Service-Minded and Team-Focused.

About the Role WCB Nova Scotia is seeking a service driven, adaptable, agile, and collaborative Legal Counsel with strong judgment and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a key member of our in house legal team, you will provide proactive, practical, solution oriented guidance and rigorous legal advice to teams across the organization, supporting alignment of organizational priorities with legislation, policy, and principles of administrative law.

In this role, you will help ensure WCB maintains strong legal and policy compliance while supporting consistent, high quality service for workers, employers, and partners. You will work both independently and as part of a high performing team, demonstrating accountability for deliverables, effective communication, and strong collaboration. You should be prepared to deliver high quality work across diverse legal disciplines, with portfolio assignments that may shift based on operational needs and your strengths. We welcome applicants with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

As an essential partner within the Legal Services team, the Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in work such as:

Providing timely, practical, options focused legal advice to leaders and staff to support sound decision making across WCB programs, services, and corporate operations.

Providing expertise in the interpretation, application, and communication of legislation and policy relevant to WCB’s mandate, including the Workers’ Compensation Act, associated regulations, and other statutes such as FOIPOP, PHIA, occupational health and safety legislation, and administrative law principles.

Contribute to and assist with policy development, review and interpretation to align organizational strategy and operations with legal compliance and legislative reform.

Participating in litigation and appeals work by defining, recommending, and executing litigation and appeal strategies within assigned portfolios, preparing high quality submissions, and providing comprehensive representation for WCB before tribunals, courts, and in civil actions involving third parties.

Provide quality guidance on contracting, procurement, privacy, information access, risk management, interjurisdictional matters, and corporate initiatives, ensuring deliverables meet operational needs and organizational expectations.

Proactively identify, assess, qualify and communicate legal risks and delivering actionable recommendations that balance legal precision with operational considerations, and enterprise risk management that supports effective and well-informed decision making.

Participate in and, where appropriate, lead team based initiatives, contributing to a culture of learning, growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support colleagues during periods of high demand and contribute to establishing and maintaining accountability across shared work.

Collaborating effectively with external counsel, providing direction and ensuring their work aligns with WCB expectations, strategic priorities, and quality standards.

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative legal team, with responsibilities assigned based on organizational priorities and evolving legal needs.

Your Experience & Skills

LL.B. or Juris Doctor from a recognized university.

Member in good standing (practicing, insured) with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

Minimum 4 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in a Canadian common law jurisdiction.

Strong legal research, analytical, and communication skills.

Ability to manage competing timelines and provide clear, practical guidance in a dynamic environment.

Sound professional judgment and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different business areas.

Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Successful completion of security screening as required by WCB Nova Scotia policies.

Assets Candidates with experience or knowledge in any of the following areas will be considered strong assets:

Litigation, including administrative tribunals, appellate work, or civil actions

Occupational health and safety law, labour and employment law, workers’ compensation law, and/or insurance law

Contracting and procurement

Privacy, information access, or risk management

Collections, foreclosures, and bankruptcy law

Fraud and misrepresentation

Personal injury and insurance law, claims management

Experience working within or advising public bodies or agencies

Perks of Joining Our Team

Employee Referral Program

A passionate team and a supportive work environment

Please use the Apply Now button to fill out your Candidate Profile and submit your application for the job opening. Job applications are accepted until 11:59 PM on the close date of the posting.

Accommodation Request WCB Nova Scotia is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to working with job candidates and employees to request reasonable accommodation in a confidential manner. To request accommodation, please contact the Human Resource team by email at recruitment@wcb.ns.ca. All information received will be kept confidential.

To learn more about the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, navigate to the About Us section of our website.

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