Ministry of Justice
Port of Spain
Job Description
The incumbent is required to supervise junior legal officers performing legal work in the Legal Services <div>Unit/Division of a Ministry/Department. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions and </div><div>drafting legal documents on the more complex legal matters involving the Ministry/Department. The incumbent </div><div>also assists in planning, organising and preparing the work programme of the Unit/Division.&nbsp;</div>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Supervises junior legal officers and other staff providing legal support work.</span></div><div> Assigns and reviews the work of junior legal officers while providing training, advice, guidance and direction on legal matters. </div><div> Plans, organises and prepares the work programme of the Legal Services Unit/Division. </div><div> Represents the Ministry/Department in court and before other tribunals on the more complex legal matters. </div><div> Drafts the more complex legal documents including contracts, leases, and agreements. </div><div> Reviews systems, policies and procedures and makes appropriate recommendations to improve productivity and quality service. </div><div> Confers with relevant official of Ministries/Departments and attends meetings to give professional legal advice. </div><div> Prepares and /or reviews legal opinions. </div><div> Reviews legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy. </div><div> Advises on the more complex legal issues related to the administration, interpretation and enforcement of laws pertaining to the operations of the Ministry/Department. </div><div> Participates in or supervises the preparation of instructions for submission to state central legal agencies on legal matters involving the state. </div><div> Participates in or supervises court case preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre-trial briefs and preparing draft pleadings for filing. </div><div> Supervises the conduct of research and analysis on legal matters pertinent to the Ministrys/Departments operations. </div><div> Participates in and/or supervises the review of existing legislation, rules, and regulations pertaining to the Ministry/Department and recommends/formulates appropriate amendments. </div><div> Reviews systems and procedures and recommends or devises strategies/ mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of legal services delivery. </div><div> Leads or participates in negotiations/consultations with external/internal parties. </div><div> Prepares Cabinet/Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters, and other documents on legal matters. </div><div> Represents the Ministry/Department on committees and in meetings and other fora. </div><div> Performs other related duties as required. </div><div><br></div>
Key Competencies
<div><b><u>SKILLS AND ABILITIES: </u></b></div><div> Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite. </div><div> Skill in the use of personal computers. </div><div> Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments. </div><div> Skill in negotiation, mediation and arbitration. </div><div> Ability to use e-Government technology platforms. </div><div> Ability to use the internet for research purposes. </div><div> Ability to supervise legal officers performing professional legal work. </div><div> Ability to analyse and interpret laws and regulations. </div><div> Ability to present and explain statements of facts and the law, and to argue&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">clearly and logically, orally and in writing.</span></div><div> Ability to maintain confidentiality. </div><div> Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">employees and members of the public.</span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;"><u><b>MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING</b></u></span></div><ul><li>Minimum of eight (8) 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>