Litigation Lawyer

Competition # : 30513 

Department: NS Securities Commission

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Legal - NSPG 

Closing Date: 6/3/2021 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Securities Commission protects investors from activities that tend to undermine investor confidence in the fairness and efficiency of the capital markets and, to the extent not inconsistent with an adequate level of investor protection, to foster the process of capital formation.

About Our Opportunity

As the Litigation Lawyer, you will be a key member of the Enforcement Branch of the Nova Scotia Securities Commission (the Commission), reporting to the Director of Enforcement.

Primary Accountabilities

The Litigation Lawyer is responsible for providing effective and efficient legal counsel to the Commission, the Director, investigators and other staff of the Enforcement Branch, both as advisor and advocate, through leading and conducting administrative and quasi-criminal prosecutions of violations of Nova Scotia securities laws or conduct that is contrary to the public interest. 

You will assist and advise on the planning and conduct of investigations; provide advice and make recommendations regarding the appropriate conduct of proceedings; review evidence in preparation for disclosure and presentation; prepare and advise on legal documents and opinions, rules of practice and procedures, witnesses, evidence, disclosure, media responses; and advocate on behalf of the Director during enforcement proceedings.  

You will apply extensive and specialized legal knowledge and skills to analyze and resolve complex, sensitive and multidimensional problems autonomously or as part of a team.   You will also represent the Commission on various national committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a law degree and have been admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society or are eligible for admission, with a minimum of 3 years’ experience practicing litigation or administrative law. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

The position requires an aptitude to deal with complex issues, strong analytical skills, tact and diplomacy, capacity for decisive action, and the ability to influence. 

You possess exceptional communication (written and oral) and relationship building skills, with an ability to build a long-term ongoing network of relationships.

You must comply with the NSSC’s Conflict of Interest Rules.   

While not required, it is considered an asset if you have knowledge of securities law and/or experience with securities law.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer or will result in termination of your employment. 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

When submitting your application please include a writing sample. 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Mentorship through iNSpire; a new formal, interdepartmental mentorship program that connects employees so they can gain knowledge and experience to support their career development.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade:  MCL 15 - MCL 26  

Salary Range:  $2,537.67 - $5,634.05 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

 Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued. 

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. 

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.