Law Clerk Program

Period of Employment

One (1) year - commencing in August or September 2021.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary is currently set at $ 74,122. A fixed amount to assist with relocation from any point in Canada to Ottawa and return is provided.

Law clerks are engaged as term employees within the federal Public Service and as such are entitled to the same benefits and conditions of employment as term employees.

Duties

Under the direction of the Judge to whom a law clerk is assigned, a law clerk shall research points of law, prepare memoranda of law and generally assist the Judge in the work of the Court.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from a recognized Canadian university or its equivalent;

Notes: Not all law societies recognize service as a law clerk as fulfilling all or part of their articling requirements. Candidates are responsible for checking articling requirements with the law society of the jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission to the practice of law. Law clerks shall devote their full time and attention to the performance of their duties. No time off is permitted to attend any bar admission course or examination which may occur during the period of employment.

Who can Apply

Only persons holding Canadian citizenship or having permanent resident status in Canada or a work permit for Canada may apply.

You must indicate in your application the basis on which you are entitled to work in Canada.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. Applications made by persons who are not Canadian citizens are accepted; however, if there are sufficient qualified applicants who are Canadian citizens, the selection will be confined to those applicants.

Selection Criteria

Proficiency in one official language is mandatory. Bilingual positions requiring proficiency in both official languages are being staffed. Candidates are requested to indicate their level of proficiency in both official languages in reading, written and oral proficiency.

Candidates will be selected for further assessment based on a combination of criteria including:

• letters of recommendation;
• academic excellence;
• ability to work as part of a team;
• ability to work under pressure;
• effective interpersonal skills;
• language skills; and
• range of experience – legal and otherwise.

Candidates are free to indicate on their application if they belong to any of the groups designated under the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, i.e. women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The Supreme Court of Canada is committed to achieving equitable representation of all employment equity designated groups throughout the organization.

Additional Requirements / Comments

Appointment is conditional on a willingness by the candidate to undergo and successfully pass a security clearance at Level II (Secret). The Supreme Court of Canada is responsible for having the security clearance carried out.

Appointment is conditional on a willingness by the candidate to sign and abide by a Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Declaration.

In accordance with the Public Service Employment Act, Part 4, section 54, appointment to the public service is conditional upon the swearing of an oath or the making of a solemn affirmation by the candidate. The text of the Oath or Affirmation can be found in the legislation.

The Supreme Court of Canada is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Court in a timely manner of any accommodation measures that should be taken to ensure your access in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be treated confidentially.

How to Apply

All clerkship applications (including transcripts and letters of reference) must be received by January 20, 2020. Candidates must submit:

1. A cover letter addressing all requirements stated on this posting;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. Official transcripts of marks obtained in all post-secondary studies, including law school and any other post-graduate courses;
4. Four letters of reference addressed to: Carole Tessier, Chambers of the Chief Justice. One of these references may be from the current Dean of the faculty where the candidate obtained his or her law degree. One or more letters of reference should attest to the candidate’s academic excellence, effective interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure and ability to work as part of a team. The letters may be included with the candidate’s application or sent separately by the persons who have agreed to forward references.

Please do not staple your documents.

Candidates are also asked to complete and submit the online application form (PDF). Once the form is completed, press the “Submit by Email” button at the bottom of the form.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete and that all materials, including the four letters of reference, have been received at the Court by the January 20, 2020 deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

All material should be marked “Clerkship Application - 2021-2022” and sent to:

Carole Tessier
Chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada
Supreme Court of Canada
301 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0J1

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted and at that time will be asked to provide two (2) writing samples.

Subject to any changes, the Judges of the Court will conduct all interviews by Skype during the week of March 2, 2020. Candidates to be interviewed will be advised by e-mail or telephone. Candidates should therefore include in their materials an address, e-mail address and telephone number where they can be reached or a message can be left during the day. All hiring will be completed by March 24, 2020. Unsuccessful interviewees will be advised by March 24, 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Questions may be directed to:

Carole Tessier
Chambers of the Chief Justice of Canada

Email address: lcp-paj@scc-csc.ca