Team Leader, Public Prosecution Service of Canada – LP-03 (Atlantic Region)

Three reasons this role is worth reading twice

Professional value – The LP‑03 classification is a senior prosecutor level, and the salary range of $165,373 to $228,084 reflects that. These are not entry-level or routine counsel positions. You’d be leading a team handling both regulatory matters and economic crime. One position is in Halifax (English Essential), the other is bilingual imperative (CBC/CBC) and could be based in Halifax, Moncton, or Saint John. Even though these are one‑year acting assignments, the posting also mentions building a pool for future Team Leader vacancies. For internal candidates, that’s a clear signal that PPSC is investing in its leadership pipeline within the Atlantic Region. The acting period gives you a chance to demonstrate capability while keeping your substantive position.

Work reality – Day‑to‑day, you’ll oversee a team of counsel managing complex prosecutions. Expect to deal with legal or financial issues of significant risk, multiple parties (investigative agencies, senior officials, partners), and interconnected legal questions that may be national in scope. The operational requirements include a valid driver’s licence, travel sometimes on short notice for extended periods (air travel likely), and overtime including evenings and weekends. This is not a 9‑to‑5 desk job. If you thrive on high‑stakes litigation and team leadership, the challenges here will be energizing. The bilingual imperative role will also require strong French and English communication skills at the CBC/CBC level.

Screening reality – The gate is narrow. You must be a current PPSC employee either in the Atlantic Regional Office or substantively located in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, or Iqaluit. The essential experience demands “considerable* experience dealing with complex criminal or quasi‑criminal legal issues in a litigation capacity.” The posting defines considerable as substantial depth and breadth with progressive responsibility—typically sustained involvement over an extended period. You also need eligibility for membership in the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Law Society of New Brunswick, or the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Missing one of those pieces will stop your application cold. Security clearance is Enhanced Secret / Enhanced Reliability, which most PPSC counsel already hold, but confirm yours is current.

Who this is really for

This posting is not open to the general public. The “who can apply” field is explicit: employees of PPSC who occupy a position in the Atlantic Regional Office, or whose substantive position is in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, or Iqaluit. If you are not currently a PPSC employee in one of those locations, you cannot apply. That makes this an internal mobility opportunity, not an entry point for external lawyers. For internal candidates, the advantage is a smaller applicant pool—likely a handful of qualified people. The acting nature means you can take on a leadership role without permanently leaving your current position. If the acting period goes well, you may become a strong candidate for future LP‑03 postings.

What the selection process will weigh

Beyond the essential experience, the competencies assessed later include: Specialized Legal Skills and Knowledge, Professionalism, Judgment, Practice Management, Communication, Working Effectively with Others, Resiliency and Courage, and Equity and Inclusion. These are typical for senior roles, but note that “Practice Management” suggests you need to show you can manage files, resources, and a team. The asset experience looks for coaching/mentoring counsel, assigning work, giving feedback, and supporting development. Also valued: experience in regulatory law—interpreting legislation, advising investigative agencies, or handling regulatory litigation. If your background includes regulatory work, highlight it. The organizational needs language indicates that PPSC may first consider candidates who self‑declare as Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and/or women. That matters: if you are eligible and self‑declare, you could get priority consideration.

Three things to watch before you apply

Acting assignment, not permanent – These are one‑year acting positions. That means no guarantee of extension or conversion. You will return to your substantive role at the end unless another opportunity arises. Consider this a development assignment, not a career move in itself. If you want permanent Team Leader work, use the pool that may be created to get your name in the system.

Language requirement splits the opportunity – There are two positions, but only one is English Essential (Halifax). The bilingual imperative (CBC/CBC) role could be at any of the three offices. If your French is not at CBC or you are not willing to relocate, your options shrink to the Halifax position. Make sure your second language evaluation results are current or that you can obtain CBC before the assessment stage.

Evidence burden is heavy – The essential experience definition for “considerable” is open to interpretation, but you will need to demonstrate progressive responsibility and increasing complexity in litigation. Vague claims will not cut it. You must map your professional history to the definition, using specific examples. The posting asks for your résumé only at this stage, but later assessments will probe deeper. Prepare a thorough career chronology with concrete details of complex cases and team leadership.

Should you apply? And how FedJobReady helps

If you are eligible and your experience matches the considerable/complex litigation bar, apply. The salary alone makes it worth the effort, and acting assignments often lead to permanent roles in the public service. But do not treat this as a quick application. Invest the time to reframe your résumé and prepare for competency‑based questions.

FedJobReady can help you craft evidence‑based screening responses, identify gaps in your application, and develop concrete examples that match the “considerable experience” definition. We also know the PPSC context and can advise on how to emphasize regulatory experience or coaching. However, we will only work with you if you are genuinely eligible—this is not a role to stretch for if you don’t meet the internal‑only requirement. If you are in‑house at PPSC Atlantic or one of the northern offices, we can save you time and improve your chances. Contact us for a fit check before you start writing.