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