Junior Staff Lawyer

About Dalhousie University Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

 

Job Summary The initio Technology & Innovation Law Clinic collaborates with other services in the Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem to provide much needed support and assistance to early-stage inventors, creators and community organizations. Alongside providing legal information and advice, the Clinic contributes to community and public education initiatives. Reporting to the Director of the initio Technology & Innovation Law Clinic, the Junior Staff Lawyer will offer individual representation to clients and will be responsible for client file management, client advocacy and public education in the areas of organizational structuring, privacy, technology and intellectual property law matters.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in carrying out the Clinic’s dual purposes.
• Provide legal advice and services in the areas of corporate-commercial law, privacy law, intellectual property and technology law. Engage in interviewing, drafting, client advocacy and the Clinic’s educational initiatives.
• Provide support for the initio clinical education program by contributing to trainings, demonstration of duties, student evaluation and file transitions as required.
• Contribute to oral and written communications on legal issues relating to emerging technologies.
• Work with other services in the innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem locally, regionally and nationally on collaborative initiatives.

 

Note The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

 

Required Qualifications

• Practicing member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society or eligible in a short time frame either as a new call or with up to two years’ experience as a lawyer.
• Experience in corporate-commercial law is essential as are strong drafting, client communication and interpersonal skills.
• Broad perspective on the role of a community law office working in the technology and innovation sector.
• Ability to engage critically on legal topics related to emerging technologies.

 

Assets

• Familiarity with intellectual property and/or privacy & technology law.
• Public policy experience.
• Clinical training or experience.

 

 

Job Competencies The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Service

 

Additional Information Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

 

Application Consideration Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

 

Diversity Statement Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.