Legal Counsel Job Edmonton area,Alberta Canada,Government

Role Responsibilities

Continued

The ability to change directions quickly and re-prioritize activities in a high volume, highly complexity and fast-paced environment is essential attribute of the position. This position includes a strong component of strategic issues management and coordination working closely with the DMO, Ministry Correspondence Unit, other executive offices, as well as ministry staff on key background documents to support government decision making on and to provide direction on information products to ensure they are accurate and meet the needs of the Minister and DM.

The Legal Counsel must be able to produce and revise quality legal work products on matters of strategic significance to government. Strong legal analysis and writing skills are essential.

The Legal Counsel will be faced with situations involving ambiguity and must exercise extensive judgment and problem solving skills to support the DMO to balance priorities and achieve the needs of the ministry, divisions and branches along with external stakeholders. The nature of the issues that are presented range from the day-to-day issues arising from ministry operational issues to emergent issues arising from the Deputy Minister or Minister's Office.

The Legal Counsel is expected to competently manage intermediate to senior-level legal matters with medium to high risk and complexity. Advice should be solution-focused, clear, concise, and practical.

This position is relied on to anticipate, detect and access complex issues to determine their level of urgency and provide leadership to others in developing associated approaches for resolution.

Issues are complex, diverse and often politically sensitive, and can range from day-to-day operational concerns to those associated with policy and procedures.

Resolution of issues in the context of considerable consultation and/or the absence of the Deputy Minister/General Counsel/Executive Director, Executive Operations.

Gaining the co-operation of others in the department to work together to resolve issues in the midst of competing priorities. This is dependent on the individual's ability to establish effective relationships and demonstrate knowledge of Ministry issues and sensitivities.

Provision of immediate responses to the Minister's office requiring research and problem-solving skills, and sound judgment within tight timelines and the ability to remain calm under pressure.