General Counsel

POSITION TITLE: General Counsel

DEPARTMENT: Government Legal Services

CLASSIFICATION: MGEX-03

SALARY RANGE: Starting at $138,618.00 per annum

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

LOCATION: Saskatoon

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Senior General Counsel/ Head Legal Officer

Brief Overview

Under the supervision of the Senior General Counsel/ Head Legal Officer, the General Counsel will have extensive duties ranging from administrative support to legal services. The right candidate 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 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 have experience as both barrister and solicitor, 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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Qualifications:

1. A law degree is required. Must be a practicing lawyer or have the ability to be called to the Saskatchewan bar.
2. Familiarity with litigation required. Knowledge of HR, administrative, and Indigenous law an asset.
3. Knowledge of legal procedures and protocols and the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and analysis is required.
4. Capable of providing timely and practical legal advice and guidance, as well as fostering and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, citizens, and elected leadership.
5. Adept at Adobe and Microsoft Office programs, such as Outlook, Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
6. Strong background in legal research and familiarity with legal databases required. Knowledge of practice management software, such as Clio, an asset.
7. As the government responsible for advancing rights and interests of Métis people in Saskatchewan, the MN–S is committed to increasing the number of Métis employees working for the Nation. Hiring preference will be given to qualified candidates who are: Métis or another Indigenous group.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, history, citizens, and communities will be an asset.
2. Ability to always maintain strict confidentiality.
3. Self-motivated creative and strategic thinker with demonstrated attention to detail.
4. Ability to communicate effectively and confidently to all levels of the organization.
5. Ability to work independently and multitask within calendar and deliverable deadlines.
6. The ability to work on-site and navigate an evolving, changing work environment.
7. Knowledge of project management and scheduling software.
8. Strong communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and active listening skills.
9. Strong time-management skills with the ability to organize and prioritize daily tasks.
10. Willingness to work within a team environment.
11. Skilled in general administrative functions, including accurate typing, filing, ordering office supplies, maintaining office supplies and equipment.
12. Excellent work attendance.
13. Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in difficult situations.
14. Knowledge of terminology, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling used in the legal field.

Additional requirements:

1. Must undergo a Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector.
2. Valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and access reliable transportation.
3. Please submit applications by 11:59 pm on April 9 2025.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.