Parliamentary Counsel

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country’s democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation’s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

As Parliamentary Counsel, you will assist the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel of the Senate of Canada in rendering legal services to the Senate, its committees, individual senators and the Senate Administration. Your work will help with the development of a wide variety of initiatives related to advising stakeholders on laws, procedures, customs and usages of Parliament as well as the privileges, immunities and powers of the Senate and its members.

Open to

The general public to develop an anticipatory list to staff one (1) determinate or indeterminate position in the Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.

This selection process may be used to staff future determinate and/or indeterminate positions at the same level with similar requirements.

We encourage individuals from underrepresented and minority groups to apply.

Prerequisites

• Possess a law degree from a recognized University;
• Be a member in good standing in a Law Society of one of the Provinces or Territories of Canada, or in the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience in legislative drafting or advisory services in at least two of the following subject areas: constitutional law, administrative law, parliamentary law, labour and employment law, contracting and procurement law, or other areas of public law;
• Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Senate of Canada and the role of the Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel;
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian law and its theories, principles and concepts and the ability to provide strategic legal and policy advice on employment and labour matters, contracting and procurement matters, access to information and privacy, copyright and other legal matters;
• Ability to draft legal opinions and other legal documents, including bills and amendments to bills;
• Ability to conduct legal research, analyze disparate and complex factual information, and interpret jurisprudence and legislation.