Job Description
<span style="line-height: 110%;">The incumbent is required to perform professional legal work in a Ministry/Department under the direct supervision of a higher-level legal officer. Duties include appearing in court, providing legal advice and opinions, and drafting legal documents on the matters involving the Ministry/ Department. Depending on assignment, the incumbent may be required to perform some or the full range of the duties of the position.</span>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ul><li>Represents the Ministry/Department on matters before the courts.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Provides advice on the less complex legal matters.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Drafts the less complex legal documents and assists in the drafting of the more complex documents including contracts, leases and memorandums of agreements.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Conducts research, interprets laws, rules and regulations and prepares legal opinions and briefs in respect of the less complex legal matters.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Provides advice by supplying legal authorities based on research.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Assists in performing court case preparation work such as interviewing witnesses, taking depositions and preparing pre-trial briefs and draft pleadings for filing.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Assists in reviewing existing legislation, rules and regulations related to the Ministrys/Departments operations and recommending appropriate amendments.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Assists in the development and maintenance of an up to date repository of laws, judgments, contract precedents, and related materials in respect of the Ministrys/Departments operations.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Drafts Cabinet /Ministerial Notes, memoranda, letters and other documents on legal matters.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Copies and collates relevant documents.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Performs other duties as required.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
Key Competencies
<p class="MsoNormal">KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">KNOWLEDGE:</p> <ul><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">Knowledge of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.</span></li><li>Knowledge of legal principles, practices and procedures.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Knowledge of legal research methods and techniques.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Knowledge of the court procedures and practices and of rules of evidence.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Some knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the Ministry/Departments&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">operations.</span></li><li>Some knowledge of legal drafting principles and methods.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">SKILLS AND ABILITIES:&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <ul><li>Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Skill in the use of personal computers.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Ability to use e-Government technology platforms.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Ability to use the internet for research purposes.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Skill in drafting legal documents/instruments.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Ability to interpret and analyse the law and legal issues.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Ability to present and explain statements of fact and the law, and to argue clearly and&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">logically both orally and in writing.</span></li><li>Ability to maintain confidentiality.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees&nbsp;<span style="letter-spacing: 0.4px;">and members of the public.</span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:<o:p></o:p></p> <ul><li>No experience required.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Bachelor of Law Degree from a recognised institution.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Legal Education Certificate or equivalent from a recognised institution.<o:p></o:p></li><li>Admission to practice Law in Trinidad and Tobago.<o:p></o:p></li></ul>