General Counsel

Metis Nation Saskatchewan • Saskatoon, SK

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Senior General Counsel/ Head Legal Officer, the General Counsel will work in a collaborative team environment and be responsible for a broad range of legal matters of pertinence to the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) and its citizens. The General Counsel will have extensive duties ranging from administrative support to legal services. The General Counsel will also provide research, advice, and legal opinions to the Senior General Counsel and the MN–S leadership to support government operations, mitigate legal risk, and ensure effective and efficient client-centered decision making. The General Counsel will be responsible for managing litigation and ongoing corporate legal matters, liaising with external counsel and other public bodies, and participating and guiding negotiations with stakeholders and other nations.

Requirements

• A law degree is required.
• Must be a practicing lawyer in Saskatchewan or have the ability to be called to the Saskatchewan bar.
• Knowledge of legal procedures, protocols and legal research and analysis is required.
• Capable of providing timely, practical, and plain language legal advice and guidance, as well as fostering and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, citizens, and elected leadership.
• Adept at Adobe and Microsoft Office programs, such as Outlook, Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Strong background in legal research and familiarity with legal databases required
• A valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation.
• The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, history, governance, laws, citizens, and communities is an asset.
• Experience in Aboriginal, corporate, commercial, real estate, privacy, and administrative law is an asset.
• Familiarity with litigation is an asset
• Knowledge of practice management software, such as LEAP, is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support specific strategic priorities of the MN–S.
• Prepare and present briefing material to senior management and staff regarding ongoing litigation and legal matters.
• Draft and review complex contracts, MOUs, and funding agreements.
• Assist and advise the elected leadership when legal issues arise.
• Collaborate with external counsel to monitor issues and develop and implement litigation strategies.
• Participate and represent Government Legal Services in various working groups and forums.
• May be asked to substitute or cover for the Senior General Counsel on occasion, including attending council, committee, or working group meetings, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior