Senior Parliamentary Counsel

About the Senate of Canada

The Senate serves a vital function in shaping Canadian democracy. As members of the Upper Chamber of Parliament, senators analyze bills, review public policy matters, advocate for causes, and engage in interparliamentary diplomacy. The Senate embodies a dynamic workplace showcasing Canada's diversity of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. There is a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures equal access to employment, professional growth, and advancement opportunities. Join a dedicated team focused on delivering excellent services to senators and the institution.

Role Overview

As a Senior Parliamentary Counsel, you will apply your legal expertise within a unique parliamentary context—intersecting law, procedure, and public policy. Reporting directly to the Parliamentary Counsel and Legal Counsel, you will provide strategic legal advice to the Senate, its committees, senators, and Senate Administration on complex legal matters, including constitutional law, parliamentary law, and legislative drafting.

You will support the institution's effective functioning by assisting stakeholders in analyzing and managing sensitive, often highly publicized, and intricate legal issues with sound judgement, impartiality, and discretion. Responsibilities include preparing legal opinions and various legal documents, conducting thorough research, interpreting laws and case law, and contributing to practical legal solutions that facilitate the Parliament of Canada’s work.

Eligibility

This selection process is open to the general public to fill one permanent position within the Parliamentary Counsel’s office. It may also be used to fill other temporary or permanent roles at the same level with similar requirements.

The Senate is dedicated to building a qualified workforce reflecting the diversity of the Canadian population it serves, employing inclusive, barrier-free hiring processes. Applications may be submitted in English or French, and accommodations are available throughout the evaluation process, with confidentiality assured. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify if they belong to designated groups.

Prerequisites

• Law degree from a recognized university.
• Active membership in a Canadian provincial or territorial bar or the Québec Chamber of Notaries.
• At least eight years of recent experience (within the last ten years) in legislative drafting or advisory services in two or more of the following domains: constitutional law, administrative law, parliamentary law, labor and employment law, contract and public procurement law, or other public law areas.
• Familiarity with the Senate's role and mandate.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian law, its theories, principles, and concepts, with the ability to provide strategic legal and policy advice on diverse matters including employment and labor, contracts and procurement, access to information and privacy protection, copyright, among others.
• Ability to draft legal opinions and other specialized legal documents, as well as deliver expert legal advice.
• Proficiency in conducting complex legal research and interpreting legislation.
• Capability to mentor and oversee junior legal advisors.

Language Proficiency

• Written English: Level C
• Written French: Level C
• Oral English: Level C
• Oral French: Level C

Core Competencies

• Integrity
• Respect
• Service orientation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Action-oriented management
• Adaptability
• Judgement
• Communication skills

Work Conditions

• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, predominantly late evenings, when the Senate or committees are in session.
• Consent to provide personal information and obtain security clearance is required for appointment eligibility.
• Legal authorization to work in Canada is mandatory.

Please keep a copy of this job posting as it will no longer be accessible after the closing date.