Legal Officer (Lawyer 23)
Court of Appeal of New Brunswick
Department of Justice and Public Safety
Open competition
Permanent
Fredericton, NB

Interested in making a difference in our province? We encourage you to Choose GNB!

Who we are
The work we do has a positive impact on our communities and helps improve the everyday lives of New Brunswickers. Together, we are over 45,000 New Brunswickers who are passionate problem-solvers, who make a difference and are proud to call New Brunswick home.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety is dedicated to the rule of law, the promotion of the public interest, and the impartial administration of justice and works to improve the safety, security and resiliency of communities and citizens.

The Court of Appeal of New Brunswick is the highest Court in the Province. It is the last avenue of appeal, except in a few cases where a further appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada is possible. The Court of Appeal generally sits in Fredericton. It hears appeals relating to a wide variety of issues.

The Court of Appeal of New Brunswick is looking for an experienced jurist for the position of Legal Officer-Court of Appeal. The position combines skills in law, jurilinguistics, editing and communications.

What you will do
Reporting to the Chief Justice of New Brunswick, the successful candidate will assist the Chief Justice and the other members of the Court with respect to matters of law and legal work, acting as legal advisor to, and representative of, the Chief Justice as required. The Legal Officer will provide legal advice on proposed or required changes to court policies and practise directives and be responsible to oversee the work of the Court's law clerks.

The Legal Officer will be responsible to manage and provide support to the Court's access to justice initiatives, assist in responding to communications from members of the public or others, including the media and provide resource support to the Court's committees.

The Legal Officer is also responsible to edit and provide advice relating to terminology, syntax, phraseology, organization of ideas and style regarding the decisions of the Court, review translation of Court decisions or other documents, provide writing support for complex and/or sensitive information for internal/external audiences, including bulletins, presentations, and press releases, as well as briefing and background material for the Chief Justice, develop content for the website of all three levels of courts, as directed by the Chief Justice, monitor the media to identify issues and potential issues that impact public perception and understanding of judicial processes, trials and decisions, then provide advice and developing an appropriate response, and undertake such other tasks in matters of law, jurilinguistics, editing and communications as directed by the Chief Justice.

Who you are
You bring a thoughtful, balanced approach to high-stakes work, with a deep respect for the role the courts play in upholding justice. You're organized by nature, able to manage complex files and competing priorities without losing sight of the details or the bigger picture. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, you remain calm, clear-headed, and focused on solutions. Your communication is respectful, precise, and professional.

Your attitude, skills and interests are just as important as your area of study. We are looking for diverse backgrounds that bring a combination of the following:

Need to have (their essential skills and qualifications)

• A degree from a law school of recognized standing and membership or eligibility for membership in the Law Society of New Brunswick;
• At least two years as a practicing lawyer;
• Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal history clearance and security clearance check.

Written and spoken competence in English and French is required, please state your language capability.*

*Applicants are required to submit with their application a French and English writing sample of no more than five pages that they have authored within the last five years. If applying by email or mail, please attach/include the writing sample. If applying online, please send the writing sample in a separate email to the address [email protected]. Please be sure to reference competition number R78-2025-0235

Candidates must demonstrate on their applications how they have acquired the education and experience for this position. Your resumé should be in chronological order specifying education and employment in months and years including part-time and full-time employment. Screening for this competition is based on the resume you provide, so please ensure it is up to date when applying.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The following operational requirement(s) is also required:

• Occasional evening or weekend work;
• Occasional travel required.
  

Nice to Have (their asset qualifications)

• Certification in translation or equivalent experience in translating and/or reviewing and revising translations for accuracy and attention to detail.

Subject to the response to this competition, candidates may be required to demonstrate on their application one or more of the asset qualifications in addition to the essential qualifications in order to be given further consideration. Candidates may also be tested on linguistic abilities.

Behavioural competencies: The successful candidate will possess the following behavioural competencies:

• Analytical thinking
• Effective interactive communication
• Concern for order
• Results orientation
• Organizational awareness
• Organizational commitment

Technical competencies: The successful candidate will possess the following technical competencies:

• Experience in legal writing, research and providing opinions on complex legal matters;
• An ability to work unsupervised;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Effective communication, presentation and facilitation skills;
• Strong computer skills;
• Creative abilities to develop programs and initiatives;
• Project management skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects, meet timelines and initiatives;
• Knowledge of court processes, programs, resources and priorities and of the principles of judicial independence and impartiality.

Wage
$114 868 to $137 566 annually, depending on education and experience.

Work environment

• Office location: Justice Building, 427 Queen Street, Fredericton
• Standard hours of work: Monday - Friday, 8:15-4:30, and as required;
• We promote a scent-reduced environment.

What can GNB offer you?

• Opportunities for career growth, professional development and training.
• Free access to Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and services.
• Comprehensive benefits package and the Public Service Shared Risk Pension Plan.

How to apply
We encourage applicants to apply on-line at www.ere.gnb.ca, by mail at the following address or by email at [email protected] by September 1, 2025 indicating competition number R78-2025-0235 .

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same level.

Department of Justice and Public Safety
Human Resources Branch
Marysville Place - 20 McGloin Street, 3rd floor
Fredericton, NB E3A 5T8
(506) 453-2719

We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

As per the?Civil Service Act, veterans, who demonstrate they are among the most qualified, shall be given preference at the time of appointment.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Program contributing to the creation of a more balanced workforce that reflects the diversity of the province by removing barriers to employment and providing individualized supports to designated equity group members.

The New Brunswick Public Service: Improving the lives of New Brunswickers every day!
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