Legal Counsel

Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health•Dartmouth, NS

2d•CA$94,638 - CA$192,029•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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.
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

Nice To Haves

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
Experience advising health authorities, government departments or agencies would be considered an asset in this role
Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred

Responsibilities

Provides legal advice and strategic direction.
Analyzes and provides advice on complex, sensitive and multidimensional problems, both independently and as a part of a team.
Provides legal representation for NSH to external parties.
Focuses on providing representation and advice to the MHAP, including Forensic Mental Health Services, Crisis and Acute Care, and Community Mental Health services.