​About the Role

WCB Nova Scotia is seeking a service driven, adaptable, agile, and collaborative Legal Counsel with strong judgment and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a key member of our in house legal team, you will provide proactive, practical, solution oriented guidance and rigorous legal advice to teams across the organization, supporting alignment of organizational priorities with legislation, policy, and principles of administrative law.
In this role, you will help ensure WCB maintains strong legal and policy compliance while supporting consistent, high quality service for workers, employers, and partners. You will work both independently and as part of a high performing team, demonstrating accountability for deliverables, effective communication, and strong collaboration. You should be prepared to deliver high quality work across diverse legal disciplines, with portfolio assignments that may shift based on operational needs and your strengths. We welcome applicants with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

As an essential partner within the Legal Services team, the Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in work such as:

•    Providing timely, practical, options focused legal advice to leaders and staff to support sound decision making across WCB programs, services, and corporate operations.
•    Providing expertise in the interpretation, application, and communication of legislation and policy relevant to WCB’s mandate, including the Workers’ Compensation Act, associated regulations, and other statutes such as FOIPOP, PHIA, occupational health and safety legislation, and administrative law principles.
•    Contribute to and assist with policy development, review and interpretation to align organizational strategy and operations with legal compliance and legislative reform.
•    Participating in litigation and appeals work by defining, recommending, and executing litigation and appeal strategies within assigned portfolios, preparing high quality submissions, and providing comprehensive representation for WCB before tribunals, courts, and in civil actions involving third parties.
•    Provide quality guidance on contracting, procurement, privacy, information access, risk management, interjurisdictional matters, and corporate initiatives, ensuring deliverables meet operational needs and organizational expectations.
•    Proactively identify, assess, qualify and communicate legal risks and delivering actionable recommendations that balance legal precision with operational considerations, and enterprise risk management that supports effective and well-informed decision making.
•    Participate in and, where appropriate, lead team based initiatives, contributing to a culture of learning, growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support colleagues during periods of high demand and contribute to establishing and maintaining accountability across shared work.
•    Collaborating effectively with external counsel, providing direction and ensuring their work aligns with WCB expectations, strategic priorities, and quality standards.
•    Maintain and continually develop professional competence, contributing to organizational learning through training, knowledge sharing, and mentorship on legal principles and emerging issues.
The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative legal team, with responsibilities assigned based on organizational priorities and evolving legal needs.

Your Experience & Skills

•    LL.B. or Juris Doctor from a recognized university.
•    Member in good standing (practicing, insured) with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.
•    Minimum 4 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in a Canadian common law jurisdiction.
•    Strong legal research, analytical, and communication skills.
•    Ability to manage competing timelines and provide clear, practical guidance in a dynamic environment.
•    Sound professional judgment and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different business areas. 
•    Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
•    Successful completion of security screening as required by WCB Nova Scotia policies.

Assets

Candidates with experience or knowledge in any of the following areas will be considered strong assets:

•    Litigation, including administrative tribunals, appellate work, or civil actions
•    Occupational health and safety law, labour and employment law, workers’ compensation law, and/or insurance law
•    Contracting and procurement
•    Privacy, information access, or risk management
•    Collections, foreclosures, and bankruptcy law
•    Fraud and misrepresentation
•    Personal injury and insurance law, claims management
•    Experience working within or advising public bodies or agencies