Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs
Port of Spain
Job Description
The incumbent is required to perform professional legal work in a Ministry/Department. Duties include appearing&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">in court, providing legal advice and opinions, and drafting legal documents on matters involving the&nbsp;</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Ministry/Department. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform some or the full&nbsp;</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">range of the duties of the position.</span>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
- Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before tribunals.<div>- Advises on legal issues relating to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws relative to the&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Ministry's/Department's operations.</span></div><div>- Drafts complex legal documents including contracts, leases and agreements.</div><div>- Provides legal opinions and briefs in respect of complex legal issues.</div><div>- Prepares instructions for submission to state central legal agencies on legal matters involving the state.</div><div>- Performs court cases preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pretrials&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">briefs and draft pleadings for filing.</span></div><div>- Assists in planning, directing, coordinating and formulating legal policies and programmes of the&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Ministry/Department.</span></div><div>- Conducts research and analysis, and reports on legal matters pertinent to the Ministry's/Department's&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">operation.</span></div><div>- Conducts or participates in negotiations/consultations with external/internal parties.</div><div>- Participates in or conducts the review of existing legislation, rules and regulations related to the&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Ministry/Department and recommends/drafts appropriate amendments.</span></div><div>- Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and meetings and other fora.</div><div>- Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents on legal matters.</div><div>- Performs other duties as required.</div>
Key Competencies
<p><b><u>KNOWLEDGE: </u></b></p><p>- Considerable knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago. </p><p>- Knowledge of legal principles and practices. </p><p>- Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertinent to the Ministry's/Department's operations. </p><p>- Knowledge of legal drafting principles and practices. </p><p>- Knowledge of legal research skills and techniques. </p><p>- Knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence. </p><p><b><u>SKILLS AND ABILITIES: </u></b></p><p>- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite. </p><p>- Skill in the use of personal computers. </p><p>- Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments. </p><p>- Skill in negotiation and mediation. </p><p>- Ability to use e-Government technology platforms. </p><p>- Ability to use the internet for research purposes. </p><p>- Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal issues. </p><p>- Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law, and to argue clearly and logically, orally and in writing. </p><p>- Ability to maintain confidentiality. </p><p>- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and members of the public. </p><p><b><u>MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: </u></b></p><p>- Minimum of four (4) years' experience as a practicing Attorney at Law. </p><p>- Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognized institution. </p><p>- Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognized institution. </p><p>- Admission to practice law in Trinidad and Tobago.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p>