Closing Date: 22 May 2026

Location: St. John’s, NL

Employment Type: Contractual

Salary: Within the Solicitor’s Pay Plan (commensurate with experience)

Context

The Civil Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety is the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s law firm. Civil Division provides legal services to Ministers, departments, and agencies of government, including legal opinions, drafting contracts and commercial documents, and representing the Provincial Government and its agencies in negotiations and civil proceedings before administrative tribunals and all levels of court.

The Corporate Commercial Unit provides legal advice across a wide range of government departments and agencies. The Unit supports departments including Energy and Mines, Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Finance, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, Government Services, Municipal and Community Affairs, Labrador Affairs, Jobs, Growth and Rural Development, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Office of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Executive Council. The Unit also advises agencies such as the Public Service Commission and the Pippy Park Commission.

Duties

• Provide legal advice to government departments and agencies on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other commercial documents.
• Interpret legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Review briefing notes, submissions, and departmental materials.
• Support negotiations involving the Provincial Government.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Merit Criteria

Screening Criteria:

1. Membership in the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, or eligibility for immediate admission.
2. Demonstrated experience in corporate and commercial law.
3. Candidates with more than seven (7) years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply (asset).

Assessment Criteria:

1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
2. Sound judgment and ability to provide practical legal advice.
3. Strong drafting and communication skills.
4. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a team environment.
5. Relationship-building skills.

Conditions of Employment

1. Recent and satisfactory enhanced security clearance.

Applicant Information

For more information about this opportunity, please contact:

Justin Caines

Assistant Deputy Minister, Legal Services

Phone: 709-729-4865

Email: justincaines@gov.nl.ca

To apply: Please submit your application, including a cover letter and resume, by email to justincaines@gov.nl.ca on or before the closing date.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Disability-related accommodations and alternate formats are available upon request. Preference will be given to applicants legally entitled to work in Canada. Applications must clearly demonstrate the required merit criteria and be received on or before the closing date.

Posted: 11 May 2026