Legal Officer of the Court of King`s Bench of New Brunswick
Office of the Chief Legal Officer
Justice and Public Safety
Permanent
Bilingual (English & French)
Open
Moncton or Saint John, NB
Interested in making a difference in our province? We encourage you to Choose GNB!
Who we are
The work we do has a positive impact on our communities, and helps improve the everyday lives of New Brunswickers. Together, we are over 45,000 New Brunswickers who are passionate problem-solvers, who make a difference and are proud to call New Brunswick home.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety is dedicated to the rule of law, the promotion of the public interest, and the impartial administration of justice and works to improve the safety, security and resiliency of communities and citizens.
The Office of the Chief Legal Officer in the Department of Justice and Public Safety provides support to the Chief Justice and the Justices of the Court of King`s Bench, as well as court staff, in the legal operations of the Court of King`s Bench, Small Claims Court and Probate Court. The Office has a full-time employment opportunity available for a lawyer to fulfil judicial, quasi-judicial and legal functions necessary for the effective operation of the Court of King`s Bench of New Brunswick.
What you will do
The Court of King`s Bench is responsible for a wide array of legal proceedings, including civil actions, judicial reviews, family matters, and serious criminal matters. As a legal officer, you will work extensively with the judiciary and court administration to modernize the Rules of Court, identify the impact of legislative and jurisprudential developments, and develop best practices. Background and experience in family, civil and criminal proceedings is preferred.
The legal officer is responsible for providing legal direction to Clerks and Administrators in the discharge of their duties, and giving procedural interpretation regarding the Rules of Court, Criminal Code, and other acts and regulations, to lawyers and the public. The legal officer may also be assigned other duties by the Chief Legal Officer.
This is a legislated position pursuant to the Judicature Act requiring the exercise of all duties, powers and authority of a Deputy Registrar of the Court of King`s Bench prescribed by any Act, Regulation, or the Rules of Court. This includes conducting various hearings and adjudicating matters pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, Support Enforcement Act, Small Claims Act, Enforcement of Money Judgments Act and Rules of Court.
Who you are
You are a collaborative and adaptable professional with strong communication and problem-solving skills. You can think on your feet, exercise sound judgment, and explain complex legal and procedural matters clearly and effectively. You treat others with professionalism, courtesy, and kindness, and are committed to fairness, consistency, and excellent public service. You enjoy finding practical solutions, contributing to meaningful improvements, and working with colleagues, justice system participants, and members of the public to support the fair and efficient administration of justice for New Brunswickers.
Your attitude, skills and interests are just as important as your area of study. We are looking for diverse backgrounds that bring a combination of the following:
Need to have:
- Law degree;
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of New Brunswick;
- Superior written and verbal communication skills;
- strong analytical and research skills; and
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in general practice, prosecution, defense or legal administration;
- Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal history clearance and security clearance check.
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Written and spoken competence in English and French is required. Please state your language capability.
Candidates must demonstrate on their application how they have acquired the education and experience for this position. Your resume should be in chronological order, specifying education and employment in months and years, including part-time and full-time employment. Screening for this competition is based on the resume you provide, so please ensure it is up to date when applying.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The following operational requirements are also required:
- Possession of a valid class 5 driver's license
- Travel - The incumbent will be required to conduct hearings in the courts throughout New Brunswick
- Working outside of regular hours of work without prior notice.
Nice to Have (their asset qualifications)
- Family law or criminal law experience
- Civil litigation experience
- Experience conducting hearings before any level of court
- Experience in court or tribunal administration
Subject to the response to this competition, candidates may be required to demonstrate on their application one or more of the asset qualifications in addition to the essential qualifications in order to be given further consideration.
Behavioural competencies: The successful candidate will possess the following behavioural competencies:
- Analytical thinking
- Effective interactive communication
- Concern for Order
- Results Orientation
- Organizational Awareness
- Organizational Commitment
Technical competencies: The successful candidate will possess the following technical competencies:
- Extensive knowledge of the Rules of Court of New Brunswick, the Probate Court Act, the Small Claims Act, the Judicature Act and other provincial and federal legislation applicable to the Court of King`s Bench;
- comprehensive knowledge of family law, procedures and relevant legislation;
- general knowledge of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act;
Wage
$119,522 to $143,130 annually (Lawyer 23) based on education and experience
Work environment
- Office location: Moncton Law Court or Saint John Law Court
- Standard hours of work: Monday - Friday, 8:15-4:30
- We promote a scent-reduced environment.
What can GNB offer you?
- Opportunities for career growth, professional development and training.
- Free access to Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and services.
- Comprehensive benefits package and the Public Service Shared Risk Pension Plan.
- 1 paid Volunteer Day per year to give back to your community.
- Starting at 1.25 days/month of paid vacation.
Providing a safe workplace for all. Your health & safety are important to us. GNB has implemented preventative measures across the organization to ensure your health & safety.
How to apply
We encourage applicants to apply on-line at www.ere.gnb.ca, by mail at the following address or by email at HRcompetitions.concoursRH@gnb.ca by October 30, 2026 indicating competition number R78-2026-0803.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same level.
Department of Justice and Public Safety
Human Resources Branch
Marysville Place - 20 McGloin Street, 3rd floor
PO Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3A 5T8
(506) 453-2719
We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
As per the Civil Service Act, veterans, who demonstrate they are among the most qualified, shall be given preference at the time of appointment.
The New Brunswick Public Service: Improving the lives of New Brunswickers every day!
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