Legal Services Support Counsel (2 Year Contract)

About Us

As the regulator of Nova Scotia's legal profession, the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society exists to uphold and protect the public interest in the practice of law. The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society oversees clerks' and lawyers' accreditation with their admissions and licensing process, establishes ethical standards, ensures the professional responsibility of lawyers, and strives to improve the administration of justice. The Society proactively works to create a legal profession that broadly reflects the diverse public it serves.

Learn more about the Society

What you'll be doing:

Legal Services Support (LSS) focuses on assisting lawyers and firms to deliver legal services competently and ethically, in large part through developing and delivering tools and advice relating to regulatory and ethical obligations. The LSS Counsel works with a team of cross-departmental staff to proactively identify risk in practice that can be addressed through practice advice, educational and resource-based approaches. LSS Counsel works within the E&C team to support the Society's educational and credentialing priorities broadly but also supports cross-departmental work relating to facilitating entry to and exit from practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice and support on practice management and credentialing-related issues.
• Assist lawyers in implementing effective MSELPs tailored to their practice type.
• Advise new firms and applicants on regulatory compliance and best practices.
• Develop and deliver workshops and educational sessions for lawyers, clerks, and students.
• Create practice management resources informed by data analysis.
• Liaise with internal teams to identify risk and provide responsive resources.
• Support articling requirements and advise clerks and principals.
• Contribute to the Lawyers' Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) Fraud Alerts and LIANSWERS services.
• Collaborate with the communications team to share practice advice externally.
• Maintain the Practice Resource database on the Society's website.
• Support committees and working groups related to credentialing and practice support.
• Engage with national counterparts to share best practices.
• Participate in other Society initiatives as needed.

What we are looking for:

This position requires significant initiative, sound judgment, excellent communication skills and the ability to analyze data and measure outcomes. The individual is a technology 'adopter'. They must have experience in identifying organizational risk, practice management strategies, facilitation and training skills, a high-level communication skill as well as the ability to have difficult conversations and work cooperatively with staff, lawyers and other constituents. The LSS Counsel has a professional and mature demeanour, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and strong problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills are required to manage the diverse workload and clients.

• Law degree and a substantial knowledge of the legal profession as well as law firm structure, culture and operations;
• Practicing member of the Nova Scotia bar or eligible for membership;
• At least 5 years experience in private practice;
• Significant experience using technology-based law practice management systems, e.g., electronic file and practice management software, litigation software, accounting and billing software;
• Adult education experience and an ability to develop training materials and facilitate training programs;
• Ability to establish and manage multiple, competing priorities in consultation with stakeholders;
• Understanding of concepts of organizational risk and risk prevention strategies;
• Strong information management and relevant technical skills; e.g., database experience, report and presentation creation;
• Ability to coordinate, engage with and motivate staff to provide legal services support in a coordinated, consistent, and Triple P (proactive, principled and proportionate) manner;
• Well developed interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written;
• Ability to analyze situations, discern issues and communicate empathetically applying anti-discrimination and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices and principles, as appropriate;
• Formal communications and adult education training, an asset;
• Training in Cultural Competence, an asset;
• Experience managing a legal practice, an asset.

What's in it for you:

We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, a comprehensive health benefits package, a retirement savings program and flexible work options.

NSBS is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that starts with our selection process. We welcome applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; newcomers to Canada; and people with disabilities. Our goal is to create opportunities for individuals from groups that have historically faced barriers to participation. If you identify with one or more of these equity-deserving groups, we invite you to share this information in your application and to include your pronouns if you feel comfortable doing so. We are also dedicated to accommodating individuals experiencing disabilities at any stage of the selection process. If you require accommodations, please let us know, and we will work with you to address your needs.

If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit your application in confidence (including resume and cover letter) to us via email at [email protected] .

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.