Legal Counsel – Nova Scotia Health

Req ID: 224217
Location: Provincial Zone, East Coast Forensic Hospital
Department: GC Legal
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1
Management/Non Union Position
Posting Closing Date: 14-Aug-26

About the Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Associate General Counsel as well as the Senior Director and Senior Medical Director, Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP), the Legal Counsel acts as a corporate resource to Nova Scotia Health (NSH) as an integral member of the Legal Services team. The Legal Counsel provides sound legal and medical/ethical guidance to NSH employees, medical staff and senior leadership, taking into consideration other activities within NSH and established health law practices across the country.

Legal Counsel provides legal advice and strategic direction; they analyze and provide advice on complex, sensitive and multidimensional problems, both independently and as a part of a team. Legal Counsel provides legal representation for NSH to external parties. This position will be focused on providing representation and advice to the MHAP, including Forensic Mental Health Services which encompasses forensic psychiatry, Correctional Health Services and the forensic sexual behaviour programs, Crisis and Acute Care, and Community Mental Health services.

This is a full-time, two-year term position with a hybrid/work from home model.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Bachelor of Law (LLB/JD) required
• Practising member or eligible to become a practising member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society required
• Minimum 8 years’ relevant experience required
• Experience and expertise in subject areas important to the MHAP, including mental health law, health law, administrative law, privacy law and criminal law
• Experience representing clients in legal proceedings before the Criminal Code Review Board (CCRB), the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act (IPTA) Review Board, Provincial or Superior Courts, or administrative tribunals is a strong asset
• High degree of tact and diplomacy
• A thorough understanding of relevant common law principles, statutes and legal procedures; strong research and analytical skills; effective interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written advocacy;
• Demonstrated ability to respond to client needs for quality legal services, to anticipate problems and to work effectively with clients toward resolutions.
• Effective in demanding circumstances, ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges and adapt and thrive in a continuously changing and demanding environment.
• Ability to collaborate, as well as work independently, balancing competing priorities.
• Experience advising health authorities, government departments or agencies would be considered an asset in this role
• Demonstrated competent research and practical analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to function independently and to work as a part of a team
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Willingness to assume and manage a heavy workload to meet timing and project needs
• Very high level of judgment and initiative required
• Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

• Long assignment full-time position; 75 hours biweekly
• Approximately 24 months
• Compensation and Benefits
• Hourly Rate: $48.53 – $98.48

Successful candidates may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and travel insurance; long-term disability and life insurance coverage; and a defined benefit pension plan. Additional wellness, development, and employee support programs may also be available.

Once You’ve Applied

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.

Nova Scotia Health’s Employee Career Advice (ECA) Program supports internal employees in their career development and progression with résumé-building, interview skill development, resources and advice for optimizing job searches, and more. Employees can book a one-on-one meeting or view upcoming workshops on the ECA Intranet page or via email at employeecareeradvice@nshealth.ca .

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